Israel briefly closed the border between Rafah and Egypt today, to stop Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh from entering the territories with $35 million in cash from terror-supporting Arab states—many of whom are putatively US “allies:” Israel: Haniyeh can enter Gaza, but without millions in cash. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)

Israel agreed Thursday evening to allow Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to cross from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, but without the $35 million in cash he had brought from a tour of Muslim states.

Defense Minister Amir Peretz had earlier instructed the Israel Defense Forces to stop Palestinians entering Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, in order to prevent Haniyeh from crossing with the money.

Israel Radio reported that the money would be left in Egypt, and on Friday transferred to the bank account of the Arab League.

Israeli security sources said that the decision to close the border was made to stop the cash transfer, not to prevent Haniyeh’s return.

The head of Egypt’s intelligence service, Omar Suleiman, had contacted Israeli officials in order to find a solution that would allow Haniyeh to return to the Strip.

Palestinian official Hani Jabour, a coordinator at the Rafah crossing, said Israeli authorities closed the border after Haniyeh told Egyptian authorities he was carrying the money.

But the Palestinians really want that money: Two explosions rock Gaza-Egypt border.

Two loud explosions rocked the Gaza-Egypt border after nightfall Thursday, and security officials said Palestinian gunmen had blown a hole in the border fence.

There were no immediate details on who carried out the explosion. But it came shortly after Hamas operatives tried to seize control of the Rafah border crossing after it was ordered closed by Defense Minister Amir Peretz.