Image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells viewers that Israel must retain control over the Philadelphi corridor during a news conference in Jerusalem. PHOTO: REUTERS

By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 2 rejected calls to soften his stance on keeping troops in the southern Gaza border area as a condition for a ceasefire deal, asserting that Israel’s control over the Philadelphi corridor is crucial for national security.

The Philadelphi corridor, located along the southern edge of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, has become a major point of contention in ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. While Hamas demands the removal of Israeli troops from the area, Netanyahu insists on maintaining a military presence, citing the discovery of numerous tunnels used for smuggling weapons and ammunition into Gaza.

“The axis of evil needs the Philadelphi corridor, and for that reason, we must control the Philadelphi corridor,” Netanyahu stated during a news conference in Jerusalem. “Hamas insists that we not be there, and for that reason, I insist that we be there.”

Netanyahu expressed concerns that withdrawing from the corridor would subject Israel to international pressure, making it difficult to re-establish control in the future.

The prime minister’s firm position on the negotiations has frustrated allies, including the United States, and has intensified tensions with his own defense minister, Yoav Gallant. On September 1, Gallant, who has had multiple clashes with Netanyahu and other ministers, urged the cabinet to reconsider its decision to keep troops in the Philadelphi corridor, arguing that this could expedite the return of hostages.

When asked if he would dismiss Gallant, Netanyahu responded that they could continue working together “as long as there is trust.” However, he emphasized that trust requires all ministers to adhere to government and cabinet decisions.

Pressure from Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a hostage deal, especially after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered on September 1, having been shot dead by their captors. The killings sparked mass protests across Israel, with demonstrators urging the government to reach a deal.

Addressing Biden’s remarks, Netanyahu insisted that pressure should be directed at Hamas, not Israel. “And now after this, we’re asked to show seriousness? We’re asked to make concessions? What message does this send Hamas? It says, kill more hostages,” he said.

Netanyahu further argued that Israel has already made significant concessions, and it is now Hamas’ turn to do the same.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s comments as “baseless political spin,” accusing the prime minister of prioritizing his political survival over the nation’s security concerns. Lapid suggested that Netanyahu’s true concern is appeasing his hardline coalition partners, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, rather than the situation in the Philadelphi corridor.

“The Philadelphi corridor is not really what bothers him, rather the Ben-Gvir-Smotrich axis,” Lapid said.