Israel Rafah Crossing Reopening 2026: Netanyahu Bows to Trump’s Pressure

The long-sealed gate to Gaza is set to swing open. Israel is preparing to reopen the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in both directions. According to Israeli media on January 1, 2026, the move follows direct pressure from US President Donald Trump during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's high-stakes visit to Washington.

The Diplomatic Shift Behind Israel Rafah Crossing Reopening 2026

Israel's Kan 11 news reported on Wednesday that the decision's a result of the 20-point peace plan imposed by the Trump administration. Since May 2024, Israeli forces have directly controlled the border crossing, deploying soldiers across the Philadelphi Corridor. This military grip has crippled humanitarian aid flow and prevented patients from seeking treatment abroad for nearly 20 months.

Humanitarian Crisis and Strategic Slow-Walking

While Trump hailed Netanyahu as a 'hero,' unnamed US officials have expressed frustration. They suspect the Israeli Prime Minister is 'slow-walking' the ceasefire plan to keep the door open for future strikes against Hamas. Previously, in December 2025, COGAT had suggested opening the crossing exclusively for 'exiting' residents, which sparked international fears of permanent Palestinian displacement.