Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly denied reports suggesting that he agreed to withdraw Israeli troops from the Gaza-Egypt border as part of a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu described these reports as “incorrect.”
The confusion arises from a current US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israel had accepted this proposal, which reportedly includes a provision for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor. This corridor, a crucial border area between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has been a point of contention.
Hamas and Egypt, which plays a key role as a mediator in the negotiations, have reportedly expressed opposition to Israeli control over the corridor. However, Netanyahu’s office has countered these claims, asserting that Israel has not agreed to relinquish control over this strategic area.
The statement emphasised that Israel’s military objectives, as defined by the Security Cabinet, include securing the southern border to prevent any future security threats from Gaza.
Netanyahu’s stance on the Philadelphi Corridor underscores his commitment to Israel’s security goals. The Israeli Prime Minister has conveyed that maintaining control over the corridor is essential for ensuring that Gaza does not pose a security threat to Israel in the future.
In related developments, Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have discussed the ceasefire-for-hostages deal via a phone call. While details of the conversation were not disclosed, it reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance the agreement.
Israeli military officials have indicated that Israel could achieve its security objectives without needing to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor.
Despite this, some Israeli security officials have criticised Netanyahu, suggesting that his insistence on retaining control could jeopardise the broader ceasefire deal.
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