Watan-Three senior Israeli officials told the American site “Axios” that senior leaders of the occupation met in Cairo on Wednesday with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, and other key officials to discuss a potential operation by the Israeli army in Rafah.
According to the report, Egyptian officials are concerned that the Israeli operation in Rafah could lead to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians entering Sinai, potentially resulting in a border breach that could jeopardize Egypt’s security.
Israeli leaders are discussing the Rafah operation with Egyptians
Egyptian officials, both publicly and in closed-door talks with Israel, have stated that such a scenario would strain relations with the occupation state and could jeopardize the peace treaty between them.
Israeli officials say that close military and diplomatic coordination with Egypt is a key condition for Israeli military action in Rafah, especially in light of the occupation army’s intention to control the Philadelphi Corridor, adjacent to the border between Gaza and Egypt.
According to “Axios,” spokespeople for the Israeli army, Egyptian General Intelligence, and Egyptian officials declined to comment.
This is the second visit to Egypt for the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, and the Chief of Staff of the Israeli occupation army, General Hazi Halevi, since October 7, to discuss a potential military operation in Rafah. Bar and Halevi met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Egyptian Chief of Staff Osama Askar.
The previous visit was in mid-February, which “Axios” first reported, to convey a message that Israel would take steps to ensure that the Rafah operation does not lead to the influx of thousands of Palestinian refugees into Egyptian territories.
Israel has announced weeks ago its intention to invade Rafah but faces reactions from the United States and other countries regarding over a million displaced Palestinians estimated to be seeking shelter in the city due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have established large tent camps between Rafah and Khan Yunis, as well as in the Musi area northwest of Rafah along the coast.
Netanyahu’s plan to enter Rafah and American concerns
Everyone is awaiting Netanyahu’s directive to begin evacuating civilian populations from Rafah. It is a decision pending in his office. A senior Israeli official said, “He needs to resolve the issue with both the Americans and the Egyptians.”
The occupation’s plan presented to the United States in recent weeks speaks of a slow and gradual operation in Rafah – neighborhood by neighborhood – rather than a comprehensive invasion of the entire city.
An American official said that according to the Israeli plan submitted to the Biden administration, it will not be necessary to evacuate all citizens from Rafah immediately, but each neighborhood will be evacuated separately.
Senior American officials noted that it is clear that Israel has changed its approach, listening to criticisms and concerns of the Biden administration, and altering its plans regarding Rafah accordingly.
However, the Biden administration remains concerned about an Israeli operation in Rafah and during the recent virtual meeting presented at least ten questions it wants clarification on from Israel, according to US officials.
-
-
-
-
-
-
