Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor – a strategically important area in southern Gaza along the Egypt border.
During a meeting with foreign media in Jerusalem, he expressed willingness to explore alternatives to having Israeli troops stationed along the Gaza-Egypt border as part of any future permanent ceasefire deal, but he expressed doubt about the possibility.
Netanyahu stated that it is important for Israeli troops to remain in this buffer zone to prevent the smuggling of weapons and potential Israeli hostages across the border. Hamas, in a statement reported by the Reuters news agency, interpreted Netanyahu’s decision not to pull out of the Philadelphi corridor as an effort to undermine the ceasefire agreement and called for pressure to be placed on Israel.
Earlier on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that the conditions for any permanent ceasefire must ensure “a situation where the Philadelphi corridor cannot be breached.” He emphasized that Israeli forces would consider alternatives if someone could demonstrate, through continuous on-the-ground actions, the ability to prevent the recurrence of past events in the area.
However, he expressed skepticism about this happening and affirmed the presence of Israeli forces in the area until a viable alternative is in place. Although his comments seem to slightly soften his previous stance of refusing to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza’s southern border, he reiterated the crucial need for Israel to maintain troops there for security reasons, describing it as a “red line.”
According to the BBC website, Despite concerns that his position could jeopardize the ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu doubled down on his stance, insisting that making further concessions after Hamas killed six hostages last week would be “illogical,” immoral,” and “insane.” He stressed that Israel has red lines in place that have not changed and that these lines will be upheld.
