JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have reportedly approved reconstruction work in a part of southern Gaza that is under Israeli military control and outside Hamas control.
According to Army Radio, the decision was made quietly about two weeks ago. The move reportedly allows work to begin on infrastructure needed for temporary residential housing in eastern Rafah.
The development comes despite Netanyahu’s previous position that major reconstruction in Gaza should begin only after Hamas gives up its weapons.
Reconstruction Begins in Eastern Rafah
The reported reconstruction work is taking place in an area of eastern Rafah controlled by the Israel Defense Forces.
The location is close to the Yellow Line, which marks the current ceasefire line with Hamas.
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The project includes infrastructure needed to establish residential housing for displaced Palestinians.
According to Army Radio, Gaza-based contractors and workers will carry out the construction after completing Israeli security checks.
Netanyahu Government Says Project Started Earlier
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office disputed part of the report.
The office said the work had actually started several months ago as part of an Emirati-backed project aimed at creating temporary housing in an area “free of Hamas rule.”
The Prime Minister’s Office also said the area had been cleared of Hamas-related tunnels and other militant infrastructure.
However, it added that Gazans would not carry out work on electricity, sewage and water systems. Those projects will remain under IDF supervision.
Previous Israeli Position on Gaza Reconstruction
The reported decision appears to differ from Netanyahu’s earlier public position.
In January, the Israeli prime minister said Gaza reconstruction would not proceed before Hamas was demilitarized.
Netanyahu had rejected the idea of rebuilding Gaza while Hamas continued to maintain its weapons and military capabilities.
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Hamas has so far refused to give up its arsenal.
A recent US-backed proposal reportedly included provisions that could have created a path toward Hamas disarmament, but Israel rejected the proposal.
Israel Says Reconstruction Can Begin Outside Hamas Control
Transportation Minister Miri Regev defended the reported reconstruction effort.
Speaking to Army Radio, Regev said reconstruction could begin in areas of Gaza that are not controlled by Hamas.
She also said Israel wants Gaza to recover.
The development comes as preparations continue for an International Stabilization Force that is expected to take responsibility for parts of Gaza.
The reconstruction effort could therefore become an early test of how housing, infrastructure and security arrangements will operate in areas outside Hamas control.
