From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
PM denies report he agreed to pull IDF troops from Philadelphi Corridor at 2nd stage of hostage deal
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed in his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday to withdraw IDF troops from the Philadelphi Corridor in the second stage of a potential hostage deal with Hamas, according to Kan news.
The question of IDF deployment is a central sticking point in negotiations, as Israel insists that it must retain control over the Gaza-Egypt border, and Hamas rejects the continued presence of IDF troops.
However, Netanyahu’s office issues a response that the report is “incorrect.”
“Israel will insist on achieving all of its war goals, as defined by the cabinet — including the goal that Gaza will never again present a security threat to Israel,” the statement continues.
“That requires closing the southern border,” it concludes, referring to the border between Egypt and Gaza, currently held by the IDF.
The Times of Israel Community.