What’s happening:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed the importance of sealing the Philadelphi Corridor, a buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border, to prevent the smuggling of arms into Gaza and ensure the effectiveness of military operations against Hamas.

Why it matters:

Netanyahu stated the war cannot end without sealing the southern breach because arms would continue to flow into Gaza, undermining efforts to eliminate Hamas and demilitarize the region.

The big picture:

During a Saturday night press conference, Netanyahu discussed the Philadelphi Corridor shortly after a report by The Wall Street Journal on potential IDF military operations near Egypt’s border with Gaza to take control of the corridor.

Background:

The corridor was under Israeli control following the 1979 peace treaty with Egypt but was left unmonitored after Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Hamas exploits the Rafah Crossing by constructing tunnels to smuggle weapons.

Up next:

While Netanyahu highlighted the importance of the blockade, he mentioned that several options are on the table, but a final decision on how to seal the corridor has not yet been made. The only agreement is on the urgent need to block the route to prevent the free flow of armaments into Gaza’s hands.

Public response:

As military and strategic discussions unfold, the Israeli public continues to engage in civic activities. Recent demonstrations against Netanyahu’s government have taken place in major cities like Tel Aviv, indicating an ongoing debate about national security decisions.

On the front lines:

As tensions persist, the Israeli defense forces remain active in the region, preparing for any necessary operations to secure the country’s safety and strategic interests.

This story was first published on jpost.com.