Israel finds itself surrounded on many fronts in the Middle East. On one hand, the war against Hamas continues in Gaza, while on the other hand, Hezbollah and Houthi organizations are also increasing tension on Israel. Iran may have calmed down after the death of Ismail Haniyeh, but the threat of attack on Israel remains. Meanwhile, reports of tension between Israel and Egypt are also coming to the fore.
Demand the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphia Corridor
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed arms smuggling across the Egyptian border, for which Egypt has now hit back at Netanyahu. Egypt has also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphia Corridor at the Rafah border.
Egypt was angered by Netanyahu's claim
According to media reports, a senior Egyptian official has strongly objected to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim. According to the official, Netanyahu is obstructing negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. These allegations from Egypt have come after Netanyahu insisted on maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border a few days ago. He claimed that this was a way for Hamas to re-arm the Rafah border. Egypt has condemned Netanyahu's claims of arms smuggling and demanded a time frame for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region.
Egyptian Army Chief of Staff inspects Rafah border crossing
Exactly 24 hours after this statement, the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Army arrived to inspect the Rafah border. According to media reports, the Chief of Staff inspected the border security, although no further details were given.
Urge to control the corridor!
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted on maintaining control over the Philadelphia Corridor at the Rafah border. It is a 14 km long corridor located on the border of Gaza and Egypt. Its width is about 100 yards. It serves as a buffer zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, but Netanyahu claims that this route is used to deliver weapons to Hamas.
Because of the Philadelphia Corridor, this realignment stalled
Talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have not reached any conclusion. The US, Qatar and Egypt have been trying for this for several months. But no agreement could be reached due to Netanyahu's insistence on retaining control over the Philadelphia Corridor. Along with Hamas, Egypt is also against Israel's control over this corridor.
This demand is unnecessary
While many security officials, including Israel's Defense Minister, have called Netanyahu's demand unnecessary. According to Defense Minister Yoav Galant, security can be ensured even without deploying the army on the Egyptian border.