The Prime Minister’s office declared on X (formerly Twitter) their unwavering stance on maintaining Israel’s military foothold in the Philadelphi Corridor. This announcement came in response to an exclusive Reuters report hinting at potential Israeli troop withdrawals from the contentious border zone.
Behind closed doors, Israeli and Egyptian ceasefire negotiators are reportedly deliberating on a sophisticated electronic surveillance system along the Gaza-Egypt frontier. Sources close to the discussions reveal that such a system could pave the way for Israeli troops to retreat if a truce is brokered.
🚨BREAKING | Israeli Prime Minister’s Office:
The Reuters report stating that Israel is discussing the possibility of withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor is completely false.
Netanyahu has clarified to the U.S. envoy Israel’s intention to remain in the Philadelphi… pic.twitter.com/4oVMJhVKI6
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 12, 2024
The thorny issue of whether Israeli forces should remain at the border is a formidable barrier to a ceasefire agreement. Both Hamas and Egypt, the latter playing mediator, are staunchly against Israel’s military staying put in the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel, however, fears that a troop pullback would open the floodgates for Hamas to smuggle weapons and supplies from Egypt through subterranean tunnels, rearming and posing a menacing threat once more.
This proposed high-tech surveillance network is designed to unearth tunnels and thwart smuggling operations, a potential game-changer in securing a ceasefire. Unlike previous talks, this is the first instance where Israel is actively engaging in these discussions, signaling a potential shift in strategy.
The envisioned system involves deploying sensors on Egypt’s side of the Philadelphi Corridor, with the primary goal of detecting clandestine tunnels and other smuggling avenues. If implemented, this could be a linchpin in any ceasefire accord, effectively reducing the need for an Israeli military presence.
Two anonymous Egyptian sources disclosed that Egypt is open to this surveillance initiative, provided it garners support and funding from the United States. They emphasized, however, that any changes must respect the terms of a prior peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.
At a recent military event, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored that any agreement must preserve Israeli control over the Gaza-Egypt border. He stopped short of clarifying whether this control would necessitate a continued troop presence.
You smuggle weapons through Egypt to att*ack Israelis?
Well, no problem, you’ll lose the Philadelphi Corridor.
For now the Philadelphi corridor is Israel’s. pic.twitter.com/1HdBBJBDZD
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 12, 2024
As negotiations, with U.S. backing, unfold in Qatar and Egypt, the aim is to pause the protracted conflict in Gaza. This conflict erupted ten months ago when Hamas launched a deadly invasion into Israel, resulting in over 1,200 casualties and numerous hostages. A crucial aspect of the talks is securing the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Throughout the conflict, Israeli officials have accused Hamas of exploiting tunnels beneath the Gaza-Egypt border to smuggle arms. Although Egypt claims to have dismantled these networks and established buffer zones and fortifications to prevent smuggling, Israeli caution prevails.
Israel’s recent incursion into southern Gaza’s Rafah area led to the closure of the Rafah crossing and a drastic reduction in international aid to Gaza. Egypt advocates for the resumption of aid deliveries and insists that Palestinian authorities must be present at the Rafah crossing to facilitate its reopening.
Major Points
- Firm Stance on Philadelphi Corridor: The Prime Minister’s office declared Israel’s intent to maintain its military presence at the Philadelphi Corridor despite reports suggesting potential troop withdrawals.
- Surveillance System Proposal: Israeli and Egyptian negotiators are discussing an advanced electronic surveillance system along the Gaza-Egypt border, which could allow Israel to pull back troops if a ceasefire is reached.
- Ceasefire Negotiation Hurdles: The presence of Israeli troops at the border is a major obstacle in the ceasefire talks, with both Hamas and Egypt opposing Israel’s military presence.
- Funding and Implementation: Egypt is open to the surveillance proposal if funded by the United States, but insists any changes must comply with a prior peace treaty with Israel.
- Ongoing Conflict and Aid Issues: Recent Israeli military actions in Gaza’s Rafah area have led to the closure of the Rafah crossing and reduced international aid, with Egypt pushing for aid resumption and Palestinian presence at the crossing.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News