Thiloththama Jayasinghe, Jadetimes Staff
T. Jayasinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel - Gaza war updates
Statements by Benjamin Netanyahu underscoring the need for military presence along the southern Gaza border with Egypt have underlined the prime minister's commitment to the Philadelphi Corridor.
The narrow strip of land has been viewed as an integral necessity for Israel because it obstructs arms smuggling into the Strip and secures it against a resurgent hostile activity emanating from Hamas. Internal dissents from some, alternative proposals from the security chiefs notwithstanding, the "red line" emphasis voiced by Netanyahu means little leeway for compromise on this issue in any ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu's comments reflect the more general strategy of the government of Israel-that the interests of security should take precedence over international pressure and negotiation with Hamas.
Divisions between Netanyahu and his own defense officials have exposed a deep disagreement over how best to secure the border: in one corner, Netanyahu has favored continued military oversight while others propose technological or allied forces as alternatives.
The difficulty of the ceasefire, spearheaded by US President Joe Biden, marked how he could allow an agreement that provides for Israel's defense while listening to the greater international call for peace. As negotiations go on, Netanyahu surmises his position to be the final deal that can make Israel compromise its defense amidst others pushing for more immediate solutions.
