Asked why Philadelphi left out of May 27 Israeli proposal, PM says offer doesn’t contradict IDF staying there

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asked why he left out any mention of the Philadelphi Corridor from the hostage deal proposal that he authorized on May 27.

“The May 27 Israeli proposal did not contradict in any way our going into the Rafah Crossing. We talked with the Americans and said in a number of conversations that we have to deal with the southern barrier [of Gaza]… I think the Americans know our position quite well.

Netanyahu in July added a series of new demands, including ones that require Israel’s continued presence in the Philadelphi Corridor during phase one of the deal, but he has insisted that these were merely “clarifications” to the May proposal.

He notes at the press conference that Hamas made 29 amendments to the May proposal and has rejected the US bridging proposal submitted last month. The US, however, has said that Hamas has not formally responded to the bridging proposal.

He is asked whether the Philadelphi issue is the only obstacle to a deal, and laughs at the notion. It’s not the only obstacle, he stresses. Others include the ratio of hostages to terrorists and Israel’s demand to veto some terrorists’ releases and to exile others.

“Hamas has rejected everything,” he says. “We’re trying to find some area to begin the negotiations; they’re refusing to do that.”

Asked to unequivocally rule out establishing civilian settlements in Gaza, Netanyahu responds, “As far as resettling, I don’t think it’s a realistic goal. I said it in front of my cabinet. I haven’t changed my view.”