Olmert: Egypt May Take Over Gaza Crossing

05/22/2005

SOUTHERN SHUNEH, Jordan (AP) - Israeli vice premier Ehud Olmert said Sunday that Israel is considering gradually handing over control of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to the Egyptians.

Olmert said negotiations were under way for the Egyptians to take control of the border post within a few months of Israel’s evacuation of the volatile area. The subject has been a sensitive one as Israel has been reluctant to give up control over critical security matters.

“We hope the Egyptians will take it over,” Olmert said during an interview with The Associated Press. “We are negotiating with the Egyptians. They will take it over.”

Asked if the Egyptians would take it over completely, Olmert said yes. He said Israeli troops will remain in control the post after the August pullout for “a few months maybe.”

“We are ready to do it,” he said.