Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz quietly approved new development and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago, Army Radio reported on Sunday morning.
According to Army Radio, the location marked for new construction is east of Rafah, within the Yellow Line, with the plan being to build new living spaces for Palestinians outside of Hamas‘ control.
Security sources said that the workers involved in the construction would be Gazan Palestinians, who are currently having their background checked by the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency).
The Prime Minister’s Office responded to Army Radio’s report, saying that it “distorts the facts and recycles old information.”
According to the PMO, the project is a pre-existing UAE pilot that has been ongoing for several months.
The PMO also denied that critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewage would be worked on by Gazan workers.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev also responded to Army Radio, saying that “We want Gaza to recover – the process can begin in any demilitarized zone.”