The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) can continue to guard the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt without a constant physical presence, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said ahead of ceasefire negotiations in Doha on Thursday.
Should the Israeli army withdraw from the area, it could still be sent to the border if necessary, Halevi said during a visit to the Philadelphia Corridor on Wednesday, according to Israeli Radio.
The Philadelphia Corridor runs 14 kilometers along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt, from the border with Israel to the Mediterranean Sea. It was under Israeli control until Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
The IDF regained control of the corridor, including the Rafah crossing, in May. It is seen as key to controlling weapons and other goods entering Gaza from Egypt.
While Hamas demands that the Israeli army withdraw completely from Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands that the Israeli army retain control of the Philadelphia Corridor.
During his visit, Halevi said the IDF would step up operations until all hostages held by Hamas were released. “The return of the hostages is a war goal,” he told IDF troops. “Hamas must know that every additional day they hold our hostages will be more bitter than the day before,” he added.
