Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands before a map of the Gaza Strip, telling viewers that Israel must retain control over the “Philadelphi corridor,” a strategic area along the territory’s border with Egypt, during a news conference in Jerusalem, September 2, 2024. Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool via REUTERS
Netanyahu Reaffirms Stance on Philadelphi Corridor Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Israeli Position on Southern Gaza Border
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected calls to soften his stance regarding the continued presence of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi corridor, a key area along the southern Gaza border. Netanyahu emphasized the necessity for Israel to maintain control over this corridor, which he views as a vital security measure to prevent the smuggling of weapons and ammunition into Gaza by Hamas. The Prime Minister asserted that controlling this strategic area is crucial for Israel to neutralize threats posed by Hamas, which he characterized as an “axis of evil” dependent on the corridor for its operations.
Stalemate in Ceasefire Negotiations
The Philadelphi corridor has emerged as a major obstacle in the ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. While Hamas has outrightly rejected any Israeli presence in the corridor, Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining control, citing the discovery of numerous tunnels used for smuggling by Hamas as justification. He expressed concern that relinquishing control over the corridor would make it difficult for Israel to regain it in the future due to international pressure.
Internal Disputes Within Israeli Leadership
Netanyahu’s unyielding position has not only frustrated international allies, particularly the United States, but has also deepened divisions within his own government. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who has had several confrontations with Netanyahu over various issues, urged the cabinet to reconsider its earlier decision to keep troops in the corridor. Gallant’s stance is driven by the desire to advance negotiations to bring more hostages home. When questioned about the potential for Gallant’s dismissal, Netanyahu indicated that their working relationship could continue as long as there is mutual trust, emphasizing that adherence to government decisions is paramount.
U.S. Pressure and Public Sentiment
The situation has been further complicated by pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden, who has criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a hostage deal. This criticism intensified after the bodies of six hostages were recovered on Sunday, hours after they were executed by Hamas. Netanyahu responded by arguing that the focus should be on pressuring Hamas rather than Israel, especially after the brutal killing of the hostages. He questioned the logic of asking Israel to make further concessions in light of such atrocities, suggesting that it would only encourage more violence from Hamas.
Opposition Response
Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as “baseless political spin,” accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over the national interest. Lapid contended that Netanyahu’s true concern is appeasing his coalition partners, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who lead hardline factions opposed to any compromise in the negotiations.
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