Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that "our control over the Philadelphi route and the Rafah crossing is essential." He stated that "the double pressure does not hinder the deal but rather enhances it." Speaking from Rafah, Netanyahu noted that "military pressure helps us in our demand to release the largest number of captives in the first phase and aids us in the exchange deal."
On Thursday, Netanyahu made a surprise field visit to the city of Rafah and the Philadelphi area, southern Gaza Strip. The official broadcasting agency reported that Netanyahu conducted a field inspection in Rafah and the Philadelphi area amid ongoing negotiations for an agreement to release the Israeli captives in Gaza.
The report highlighted that Netanyahu's visit came just hours before another discussion on the exchange deal by the Israeli war council, involving members of the negotiation team and elements of the security apparatus.
Yesterday, Wednesday, Netanyahu stated during a cabinet session that Tel Aviv should not relinquish control over the Philadelphi route. His unexpected visit to Gaza followed hours after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, coinciding with the Knesset passing a decision to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state, which provoked regional condemnations.
On May 29, the Israeli army announced its complete control over the Philadelphi route along the Palestinian-Egyptian border, claiming at that time to have "discovered at least 20 tunnels crossing from Gaza into Sinai," according to Channel 12.
