‘Regavim’: Israel’s new Rafah border site carries coded annexation message

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Mohammad MansourFebruary 2, 2026 at 01:24 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In February 2026, Israel partially reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after an 18-month closure, adding a checkpoint called "Regavim" for those entering Gaza from Egypt. Analysts suggest the name "Regavim," meaning "clods of earth" in Hebrew, is a deliberate choice linked to a Zionist anthem about land redemption. They believe this signals a shift from security control to a long-term intention of claiming land, similar to actions in the West Bank. The Israeli army describes the facility as the "Regavim Inspection Nekez," with analysts interpreting the term "Nekez" as a dehumanizing engineering term. Experts argue that the name invokes Zionist nostalgia and indicates a strategy of population control rather than a temporary security mission.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Al Jazeera 30% West Bank 40% Mohannad Mustafa ×250% Palestinians ×260% Egypt ×360% Regavim ×570% Gaza ×470% Israeli army ×370% Rafah ×380% Israel ×790%

Keywords

regavim 100% rafah border crossing 90% gaza 80% israeli military 80% palestinians 70% zionist anthem 70% land grab 70% annexation 60% population control 60%