Netanyahu: Israel will keep open-ended control of Gaza’s border with Egypt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel must keep open-ended control of Gaza’s border with Egypt, digging in on his stance on an issue that has threatened to derail cease-fire efforts, the Associated Press writes․

Speaking to foreign journalists, Netanyahu repeated his stance that Israel must maintain its hold on the border to prevent Hamas from rearming by smuggling weapons into Gaza. He said “it was a vital part of the war goal of ensuring Hamas cannot repeat its Oct. 7 attack on Israel”.

“Gaza must be demilitarized, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi corridor remains under firm control,” Netanyahu said, claiming Israeli troops had discovered dozens of tunnels under the border. He said Israel would only consider withdrawing from the corridor when presented with an alternative force to police it.