Netanyahu insists on Israel's indefinite control of Gaza-Egypt border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Wednesday that Israel must retain indefinite control over Gaza's border with Egypt, reaffirming his stance on a key issue that threatens to hinder ceasefire efforts.

Netanyahu’s comments come as the United States develops a new proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire and hostage release, hoping to break the prolonged stalemate and end the nearly 11-month conflict.

The status of the Philadelphi corridor—a narrow stretch of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt, seized by Israeli troops in May—has become a focal point in negotiations. Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of a multi-phase truce deal.

Egypt, acting as a mediator alongside the U.S. and Qatar, has also pushed for a clear timeline for Israeli troops to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor. On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, joined in criticizing Israel's position.

Speaking to foreign journalists, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel must control the border to prevent Hamas from rearming through weapon smuggling. He emphasized that maintaining control was crucial to preventing future attacks like the one on October 7.

"Gaza must be demilitarized, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi corridor remains under firm control," he said, noting that Israeli forces had discovered numerous tunnels under the border.

Netanyahu said Israel would only consider withdrawing when an alternative force capable of securing the border was in place. "Show us someone who can truly prevent smuggling, and we’ll reconsider," he added. "Until then, we’re staying."

Families of remaining hostages have increased pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal after Hamas killed six hostages last week as Israeli forces attempted to rescue them. Hostage families have publicly accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing their loved ones for the sake of holding the border. Protests have erupted across Israel, with hundreds of thousands of people calling for a deal, warning that time is running out to save the hostages.

Netanyahu defended his stance, arguing that it was necessary to prevent Hamas from threatening Israel again. "I understand the families' anguish," he said, "but leadership requires balancing emotion with sound judgment."

When asked about a timeline for ending the war, Netanyahu declined to provide one. "How long will this take? As long as it takes to achieve victory. And I believe we’re getting closer," he said.

He also claimed that maintaining control of the border would pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. At one point, Netanyahu mistakenly asserted that the May invasion of Rafah had led to Hamas' first hostage release, which actually occurred months earlier during a ceasefire in November. He then corrected himself, saying the hostage release was due to the military pressure exerted on Hamas.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported early Thursday that an Israeli drone strike killed five men and injured another in a car in Tubas, located in the West Bank. The Israeli military confirmed that it carried out "three targeted strikes on armed terrorists posing a threat to soldiers" but provided no further details.

For over a week, hundreds of Israeli forces have been conducting what is described as the deadliest operation in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began.