Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Clash Over Gaza Deal Terms, Reports Suggest Tension

Photo : AFP

A sharp disagreement over the terms of a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza erupted between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a high-stakes meeting of Israel's security cabinet, as reported by several Israeli news outlets. The dispute centered on the future control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategically significant 14-kilometer strip along the Gaza-Egypt border that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) currently patrol.

Netanyahu reportedly argued that the IDF should remain stationed in the corridor during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. He presented maps to the cabinet, explaining that maintaining control over the corridor was critical to preventing Hamas from using tunnels to smuggle weapons and other supplies into Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that IDF presence in the corridor would be essential to ensuring the success of the initial phase of the deal, which would also involve the release of hostages held by Hamas.

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Netanyahu reportedly told the cabinet, "I would like to bring the decision on the IDF troops remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor for the Cabinet’s approval." His stance was based on the belief that allowing Hamas access to the corridor could reignite the arms flow and escalate tensions in the region.

Defense Minister Gallant, however, fiercely opposed this plan, arguing that insisting on an IDF presence in the corridor would sabotage any chance of an agreement with Hamas. He contended that Hamas would never agree to the deal if Israeli forces remained along the border and that the prospect of securing the release of hostages could be jeopardized.

Gallant reportedly said, "The significance of this is that Hamas won’t agree to it, so there won’t be an agreement and there won’t be any hostages released." His argument pointed to the high stakes of the negotiations, with the release of Israeli hostages hanging in the balance. This sharp exchange underscored the deep divisions within the Israeli government as it navigates the delicate negotiations over Gaza's future and the safety of its citizens.

The dispute highlights the complex dynamics at play as Israel seeks to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the return of hostages while balancing security concerns, particularly around the strategic Philadelphi Corridor. While Netanyahu's stance focused on military strategy, Gallant's concerns reflected the urgency of securing the hostages' release and the broader diplomatic implications of the deal.

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