Chicago – August 31, 2024
In a heated meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant strongly disagreed over the conditions for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.
The main issue was whether Israeli troops should withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic area along the Gaza-Egypt border, during the first phase of the ceasefire. Netanyahu showed maps advocating for the Israeli military to stay to prevent arms smuggling by Hamas. In contrast, Gallant warned that keeping troops there would lead Hamas to reject the deal, risking the release of hostages. The argument escalated with Gallant accusing Netanyahu of imposing his plan on negotiators and handling negotiations alone.
The Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi, supported a temporary troop withdrawal, suggesting that the troops could return after six weeks if necessary. The tense discussion underscored the complex challenges and high stakes involved in negotiating peace and securing the release of hostages.
