Netanyahu Demands Indefinite Israeli Control Over Gaza-Egypt Border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that Israel must maintain indefinite control over Gaza's border with Egypt. This stance has become a significant hurdle in ceasefire negotiations. The United States is working on a new proposal to end the nearly 11-month-old conflict and secure the release of hostages.

Key Issues in Ceasefire Talks

The Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along Gaza's border with Egypt, seized by Israeli troops in May, is at the heart of the dispute. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of a multi-phase truce. Egypt, mediating alongside the U.S. and Qatar, also insists on a clear timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal from the corridor.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel must control the border to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza. He stated, "Gaza must be demilitarized, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi corridor remains under firm control." He added that Israeli troops had found numerous tunnels under the border.

International Reactions

The United Arab Emirates, which established formal ties with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords, criticized Israel's position on Wednesday. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would consider withdrawing only if an alternative force could effectively police the area. "Bring me anyone who will actually show us … that they can actually prevent the recurrence" of smuggling, he said. "I don't see that happening right now. And until that happens, we're there."

Families of hostages have increased pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a deal after Hamas killed six hostages last week during an Israeli rescue attempt. Hostage families have publicly accused Netanyahu of blocking a deal and risking their loved ones' lives to hold onto the border strip.

Public Pressure and Netanyahu's Response

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have protested recently, urging for a deal to bring home hostages alive. Netanyahu defended his stance, saying it was essential to "ensure Hamas doesn't pose a threat to Israel." He acknowledged the families' anguish but stressed that leaders must exercise judgment beyond sharing emotions.

When asked about a timeline for ending the war, Netanyahu declined to provide one. "How long can we do this? As long as it takes to achieve this victory. And I think we're getting a lot closer," he said. He also claimed holding the border would pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

Netanyahu mistakenly stated that the invasion of Rafah in May led to Hamas's first release of hostages, which actually occurred months earlier in November during a weeklong ceasefire deal. He then attributed the release to "the result of our invasion, the military pressure we put on them."

The ongoing conflict and hostage situation continue to create tension within Israel and among international mediators. The resolution remains uncertain as both sides hold firm on their demands and conditions for peace.