The re-opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing today points to a new stage
developing in the relationship between Israel and Hamas. The possibility
that these steps could be part of a more extended truce deal was
strengthened by news of a secret meeting in May between Prime Minister
Netanyahu and Egypt's President el-Sisi. El-Sisi is apparently
insisting to eventually push Mahmoud Abbas's Palestinian Authority to
return to Gaza. That idea has been criticized by hardliners in
Netanyahu's coalition, who instead want a stronger military response
against Hamas. Brig. Gen. (Res.) Relik Shafir analyzes.