Netanyahu weighs allowing Hamas militants to move into group-controlled territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering transferring militants captured in the underground tunnels of Rafah to an area beyond the so-called “yellow line,” according to two senior diplomatic sources.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to take decisive action, stating that all 200 militants located beyond the line should either be killed or imprisoned, Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media.

“This is an opportunity to eliminate or detain them – not to release them under absurd conditions,” he said.

The "yellow line" stems from a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29, 2025, marking Israel's initial withdrawal to control about 53% of Gaza, including Rafah's eastern zones, while retaining oversight of crossings like Rafah.

This followed Israel's May 2024 Rafah incursion, where forces dismantled Hamas's tunnel network along the Philadelphi Corridor, declaring the brigade neutralized after eliminating over 2,000 fighters.

Tensions have persisted: On October 19, Hamas militants allegedly crossed the line in Rafah, firing anti-tank missiles and killing two IDF soldiers, prompting Israeli airstrikes that killed 26 and targeted tunnels.

A reservist died in a similar October 29 tunnel assault east of the line, leading to strikes on 100+ militants.

By Aghakazim Guliyev