ALBAWABA - At a Security Cabinet discussion on the Philadelphia Corridor, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant exchanged heated words. The argument contained yelling and was one of the two leaders' most severe yet, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
Gallant briefed Israel on strategic choices, starting the confrontation. Gallant attacked Netanyahu for pressing his Philadelphia Corridor plans on the military, which worsened tensions. Netanyahu said he will send the maps to the Cabinet for approval, adding that Washington and Cairo have approved them. Gallant said that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is the main issue in negotiations, not foreign partners.
Two senior ministers, who requested anonymity, called it Netanyahu and Gallant's "most severe confrontation" ever.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, senior security officials feel Israel is at a strategic crossroads and doubt the need for a Philadelphia Corridor presence. Cabinet meeting participants signed a confidentiality agreement to protect sensitive information.
According to Israel's Army Radio, a diplomatic source warned that the Cabinet's decision to keep control of the Philadelphia Corridor might hurt discussions.
The Security Cabinet resolved to preserve jurisdiction over the Philadelphia Corridor as part of a future accord, Haaretz reported today. The decision was challenged by Defense Minister Gallant but backed by eight Cabinet members.
At the discussion, several ministers suggested that controlling the corridor may help a prisoner swap arrangement. Netanyahu justified the move by equating the corridor's uncontrolled access to the October 7, 2023 assault.
The Israeli Hostages Committee, representing Gazan Israeli families, blasted Netanyahu for hindering prisoner swap efforts.
Israeli sources said Netanyahu's demand on a military presence in the Philadelphia Corridor and restricting Palestinian travel between northern and southern Gaza is hampering negotiations. Israel insists on controlling the Philadelphia and Nitsarim corridors, while Hamas requires a total military pullout from Gaza in any ceasefire or prisoner swap arrangement.
The US supports Qatar-Egypt mediation via diplomatic channels including Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials.
