The Israeli Cabinet approved on Tuesday a proposal which aims to enable European Union personnel to operate the Rafah Border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
The approved decision allowed EU personnel to enforce security procedures.
According to the decision, the EU personnel will enforce security procedures stipulated set by Israel, Israeli online daily Haaretz reported.
The EU force will be granted considerable enforcement capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, met earlier on Tuesday with the Italian Foreign Minister, Gianfranco Fini, in Jerusalem and informed him that Israel wishes to consider EU operatives not only as observers at the crossing, but also as enforcement.
Meanwhile, Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres, will conduct diplomatic talks with the EU; the Israeli Ministry of defense will observe the security arrangements regarding this issue.
A senior Israeli source reported that after the crossing’s operation plan is approved in principle, Israel will hold “direct” talks with the Palestinian Authority.
