Israel’s new defense minister on Wednesday reopened the main cargo crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, signaling a policy shift aimed at easing some of Israel’s security restrictions on the Palestinians. Israel has kept the Karni crossing closed for much of the year, largely due to attacks by militants. It is the main outlet to the world for Palestinian imports and exports. The crossing had been closed in both directions since April 4. It has been closed for a total of 55 days since Jan. 1. Full Story