Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly denied reports suggesting that Israel plans to withdraw its troops from the Gaza-Egypt border, also known as the Philadelphi Corridor. This statement, made on Friday via his office's social media account, came in response to an exclusive Reuters report claiming ongoing discussions about a potential pullback.
Netanyahu's office stated, "The Prime Minister insists that Israel will remain in the Philadelphi axis. He has instructed the negotiating teams accordingly, made this clear to U.S. representatives this week, and updated the Security Cabinet to this effect last night." This declaration contradicts claims that Israel is considering an electronic surveillance system along the border to facilitate a potential ceasefire agreement without Israeli troop presence.
Negotiations, reportedly involving Israeli and Egyptian ceasefire mediators, include discussions about installing sensors to detect smuggling tunnels and other illegal activities. These negotiations aim to address security concerns while potentially allowing Israel to reduce its military footprint in the area. According to sources familiar with the matter, these sensors would be deployed on the Egyptian side of the corridor.
Despite the Prime Minister's strong stance, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at a different approach earlier in the week. Gallant suggested, "A solution is required that will stop smuggling attempts and will cut off potential supply for Hamas, and will enable the withdrawal of IDF troops from the corridor, as part of a framework for the release of hostages." This indicates internal discussions about balancing security needs with operational adjustments.
The Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the border between Gaza and Egypt, has been a focal point of security concerns for Israel. The area is seen as a critical juncture for preventing the smuggling of weapons and supplies to Hamas. Israel's control over this border area has been a contentious point in the ceasefire negotiations, with both Hamas and Egypt opposing the continued Israeli military presence.
Egyptian negotiators, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Israel has discussed a high-tech surveillance system. Egypt is not opposed to this idea, provided it is financially supported by the United States. However, Egypt is unwilling to accept any changes to the border arrangements set out in prior peace treaties.
At a military event on Thursday, Netanyahu underscored the importance of Israeli control over the Gaza-Egypt border, though he did not explicitly state whether this control necessitates a physical troop presence. "We will not allow the smuggling of weapons to Hamas from Egypt, first and foremost through Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor and the Rafah crossing," he said.
The broader context of these discussions involves efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Talks are currently underway in Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, aiming to achieve a pause in the fighting in Gaza, which has persisted for ten months following a deadly incursion by Hamas militants into southern Israel.
Since the conflict began, more than 1,200 Israelis have been killed, and over 38,000 Palestinians have died, according to medical authorities in Gaza. Israel's military operations in southern Gaza, particularly in the Rafah area, have led to the closure of the Rafah crossing, significantly reducing the flow of international aid into the territory. Egypt has called for the resumption of aid deliveries, contingent on restoring a Palestinian presence at the Rafah crossing.
