Netanyahu Insists on Israeli Control Over Gaza-Egypt Border, Stalling Ceasefire Negotiations Amid Growing Criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reinforced his stance that Israel must maintain open-ended control of Gaza’s border with Egypt, particularly the Philadelphi corridor, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This position has become a major sticking point in discussions aimed at ending the nearly 11-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating talks to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, but the issue of Israeli control over the border has hindered progress. Hamas is demanding a full Israeli withdrawal as part of a multi-phase truce deal, while Egypt and the UAE are pushing for a concrete timeline for Israel’s departure from the area.

Netanyahu has made it clear that Israeli control over the border is crucial to preventing Hamas from rearming through weapons smuggling, which could lead to a repeat of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, such as the one on October 7. He stated that Gaza must be demilitarized, and maintaining control over the Philadelphi corridor is essential to this goal.

Israeli troops have reportedly uncovered numerous tunnels used for smuggling weapons into Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would only consider withdrawing from the corridor if an alternative force capable of ensuring border security is presented.

Despite growing domestic pressure, including protests and demands from families of hostages held by Hamas, Netanyahu remains firm in his stance. Hostage families have accused him of prioritizing Israel’s control of the border over the lives of their loved ones, especially after Hamas killed six hostages during an Israeli rescue attempt.

In response to these criticisms, Netanyahu acknowledged the families’ anguish but defended his decisions as necessary for Israel’s security, particularly to prevent Hamas from posing further threats.

When pressed for a timeline on when the war would end, Netanyahu refused to provide a specific answer, stating that the conflict would continue until Israel achieved its objectives. He expressed confidence that victory was near but maintained that Israel must hold the border to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages. Netanyahu incorrectly linked the invasion of Rafah in May to the release of hostages, although the first hostage release occurred months earlier under a different ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, tensions in the West Bank have escalated, with Israeli military strikes targeting armed militants. In one incident, an Israeli drone strike in Tubas killed five men and injured another. Israeli forces have been conducting a large-scale operation in the West Bank for over a week, marking it as the deadliest since the Israel-Hamas war began. The Israeli military defended its actions, citing the threat posed by the armed militants.