Media: Netanyahu prioritizes Philadelphi Corridor over hostage release

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have prioritized maintaining Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor over securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza.

This stance was revealed during a heated security cabinet meeting held on August 29 night, Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media.

During this session, Netanyahu secured approval for IDF maps detailing Israel's plan to keep its military in the narrow Philadelphi Corridor during the initial phase of the ongoing hostage-ceasefire negotiations.

This decision underscores the growing tension between Netanyahu and the security establishment. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with other security officials, has been pressing Netanyahu to make concessions, particularly regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, out of concern that his hardline approach might jeopardize a potential agreement.

A leaked transcript from the meeting revealed that ministers had not been briefed in advance about the vote on the IDF maps, leading Gallant to question the need for the vote. He pointed out that Hamas was likely to reject the proposed maps, which could hinder both the negotiations and the release of hostages.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer advocated for proceeding with the vote on the maps presented to mediators in Cairo. Gallant, however, accused Netanyahu of imposing his views on the security establishment and noted that the maps were contrary to the IDF's preferred approach.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi voiced concerns about the timing and necessity of the vote, arguing that the IDF would be able to manage the Philadelphi Corridor effectively after the first six weeks of the ceasefire. Mossad Director David Barnea also criticized the vote's timing, stating that the current negotiations were focused on other issues.

Gallant highlighted the critical choice facing the cabinet: either remain in the Philadelphi Corridor or concentrate on the return of hostages. He argued that prioritizing the corridor over the hostages was not a logical approach given the situation.

The cabinet's reaction to Gallant's remarks was mixed, with some ministers expressing disapproval of his directness toward Netanyahu. Gallant also suggested that Netanyahu would eventually be forced to make concessions to Sinwar’s demands.