‘State of Palestine’ passport stamp at Rafah crossing leaves Israeli ministers seeking answers

A Cabinet meeting on Sunday has raised more questions than answers about the operation of the Rafah crossing since its recent reopening.

Shin Bet chief David Zini confirmed that travelers’ passports are being stamped at the crossing with a “State of Palestine” seal, associated with the Palestinian Authority and its claim to statehood. Other operational details remain unclear, highlighting concerns regarding oversight, security, and political authority.

The lack of transparency in management became a central focus during the closed-door session after Settlement Minister Orit Strock questioned the use of the “State of Palestine” seal, Ynet reported. Zini’s confirmation drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials across the political spectrum.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted on 𝕏: “The government of Ben Gvir, Smotrich, and the Likud Party established the State of Palestine.” Meanwhile, former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman remarked: “Under the auspices of the government of October 7, a Palestinian state was established.”

During the Cabinet meeting, Minister Ze’ev Elkin pressed for clarity on which authority employs and pays the salaries of Palestinians working at the Rafah crossing, and specifically whether the Palestinian Authority is funding them. According to Maariv, sources who attended the meeting said those questions remained unanswered. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed that the PA would not be allowed to take any part in the administration of the Gaza Strip after the war. He reportedly said he plans to request that the Trump-led Board of Peace replace the controversial seal.

Last week, Strock condemned the adoption of the Palestinian Authority emblem as the new logo of Gaza’s technocratic committee, noting that the body’s name was altered to ‘National Committee.’ “This shouldn’t be a ‘national’ body governing the Gaza Strip, but a local technocratic body managing civil affairs there,” she said.

The Prime Minister’s Office responded to the recent logo change in an official statement declaring that Israel “will not accept the use of a Palestinian Authority symbol” and that “the Palestinian Authority will have no part in the administration of Gaza.” 

Several of the 15 members of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) are former Palestinian Authority officials, including Gaza native Ali Shaath, the NCAG’s Chief Commissioner.