Media: US pushes to lead Rafah reconstruction, pressures Israel

The United States is pressuring Israel to transfer responsibility for rebuilding the city of Rafah to the American headquarters in Kiryat Gat.

According to Israeli media reports, the initiative will be carried out under the “Let's Rebuild Rafah First” project, which aims to oversee the city’s reconstruction and manage the return of civilians.

Under the project, hundreds of thousands of vetted Palestinians would return to Rafah. The vetting process is intended to prevent infiltration by Hamas operatives or members of other groups who could attempt to regain control of the city.

Israeli security officials have raised concerns during discussions with American representatives, noting that Rafah has not yet been fully cleared of terrorists and that the network of tunnels remains intact. In response, the Americans assured them, stating, “Everything will work out. This will lead to stability.”

The IDF’s Southern Command has expressed fears that allowing Palestinians to return could enable Hamas’ military wing to reestablish a presence in the area. Currently, the city has been largely cleared of civilians, with only armed militias and roughly 150 militants remaining hidden in tunnels. Israeli forces also warn that this could facilitate the reconstruction of smuggling tunnels and attempts to transport weapons via drones from Egypt.

Political and defence sources have also opposed any engagement with Hamas until certain conditions are met: the return of the bodies of the dead, the beginning of Gaza’s disarmament, and the transfer of authority to an entity other than the Palestinian Authority.

Earlier reports indicate that the United States plans to construct a military base on the Gaza border, designed to host international forces and operate within the territory. The project is expected to cost approximately $500 million, with the US covering both construction and funding.

In recent weeks, American officials have been actively discussing the base with the Israeli government and the IDF, considering several potential locations capable of accommodating several thousand troops. Israeli security sources highlight the strategic importance of the proposed base, describing it as a clear signal of Washington’s commitment to stabilising Gaza and supporting efforts to manage the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova