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- Dec 29, 2008
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The security cabinet voted 8-1 to retain IDF forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, in a step that some fear would foil negotiations in Doha to finalize a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal.
“The cabinet determined that the IDF would remain in the Philadelphia Corridor,” the sources said.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant objected to the plan, given that it has been one of the stumbling blocks to closing a deal quickly.
Hamas has demanded that Israel withdraw from the critical buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that any deal must allow the IDF to remain in Philadelphi to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza under the border. He has believed that if Israel stands firm on this point, Hamas will cave, while others fear it could also cause Israel to lose the deal.
An IDF vehicle in a three-meter-high tunnel found near the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza. August 4, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Cabinet ministers, according to sources close to the discussion, backed Netanyahu’s strategy with respect to the hostage talks. The only exception aside from Gallant who opposed the vote, was National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who abstained.
With the Gaza coast blockaded for many years now, the tunnels under the border with Egypt have been Hamas' only source of weapons, so maintaining control over the corridors will prevent Hamas from acquiring new weapons and shorten the war. There is no other way of ending the flow of weapons to Hamas.
“The cabinet determined that the IDF would remain in the Philadelphia Corridor,” the sources said.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant objected to the plan, given that it has been one of the stumbling blocks to closing a deal quickly.
Hamas has demanded that Israel withdraw from the critical buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that any deal must allow the IDF to remain in Philadelphi to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza under the border. He has believed that if Israel stands firm on this point, Hamas will cave, while others fear it could also cause Israel to lose the deal.
Cabinet ministers, according to sources close to the discussion, backed Netanyahu’s strategy with respect to the hostage talks. The only exception aside from Gallant who opposed the vote, was National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who abstained.
With the Gaza coast blockaded for many years now, the tunnels under the border with Egypt have been Hamas' only source of weapons, so maintaining control over the corridors will prevent Hamas from acquiring new weapons and shorten the war. There is no other way of ending the flow of weapons to Hamas.
