Israel has announced that it will not remove its troops from the Philadelphia corridor, the 14-kilometer track that separates the Egyptian Gaza Strip, contrary to the terms of the ceasefire agreement that provided for a gradual exit from Saturday, on the 42nd day of the truce.
“We will not leave the Philadelphia corridor,” an Israeli authority told local press. According to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, the military stay in the region aims to prevent the rearmament of Hamas and prevent the group from recovering strength through the smuggling of weapons.
It established that Israel should start withdrawal on the last day of the first phase of the ceasefire, completing the process before day 50. However, permanence in the corridor has always been one of the most controversial points of negotiations, with Israel insisting that controlling Rafah’s passage is essential for his safety.
“The Philadelphia corridor will not be evacuated. If Israel loses control, Gaza will become a kingdom of terrorism, ”said Netanyahu last September. According to the prime minister, the area became the “oxygen tube” of Hamas to receive weapons.
The announcement occurs two days from, without concrete advances for the second stage, which should lead to a definitive ceasefire. Sources of the Israeli government indicate that Netanyahu can choose to extend the initial phase of the truce, maintaining sporadic attacks and military presence in occupied areas.
Military presence in Lebanon and Syria
Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, said on Thursday that the United States endorsed the Israeli forces indefinitely remain in the damping zone in southern Lebanon.
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“We will remain in the damping zone in Lebanon indefinitely: it depends on the situation, not time. We received a green light from the United States, ”Katz said at a conference with Israeli regional leaders.
In addition, the Israeli army will also maintain troops on the Syrian border, including strategic positions on Mount Hermon and other unspecified points.
On February 18, Katz had already indicated that Israel would remain in five military positions on the Lebanon border, going beyond what is stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. He justified the decision based on October 7 attacks, claiming that Israel cannot allow the presence of extremist groups near their border, either in Syria, Lebanon or the West Bank.
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Netanyahu government decisions challenge the terms of the truce and can increase diplomatic tensions in the region, especially with Egypt, Lebanon and other ceasefire mediators.
