PM says he’s open to someone else replacing IDF at Philadelphi in phase 2, but doesn’t see it happening
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his stance in favor of maintaining, an albeit reduced IDF force in the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of the hostage deal.
“We’re talking about phase one — 42 days [during which] we stay there in a somewhat reduced presence because we don’t need as large a force [there],” Netanyahu says during a press conference with foreign media.
During that first phase Israel has agreed to begin discussions about a permanent ceasefire, which is phase two of the deal, Netanyahu explains.
“The conditions that we shall have for a permanent ceasefire must include a situation where the Philadelphi Corridor cannot be perforated.”
“Somebody has to be there — bring me anyone who will actually show us — not on paper, not in words, not in a slide — but on the ground, day after day, week after week, month after month, that they can actually prevent the recurrence of what happened there before.”
“We’re open to considering it. But I don’t see that happening. And until that happens, we’re [staying] there,” the prime minister asserts.
He says he has given “leeway” to Israel’s negotiating team “five times.”
