The contentious issue at the forefront of the dispute revolved around the stipulations for a potential hostage release and ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, as reported by multiple Israeli media outlets including Channel 12 and the Times of Israel.
A contentious and intense disagreement erupted between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a pivotal security cabinet meeting held on Thursday night.
The contentious issue at the forefront of the dispute revolved around the stipulations for a potential hostage release and ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, as reported by multiple Israeli media outlets including Channel 12 and the Times of Israel.
Specifically, the debate centered on the highly contentious question of whether the Israeli military should relinquish control over the strategically vital Philadelphi Corridor.
CNN reports that the Philadelphi Corridor is currently under the control of the IDF. The placement of Israeli troops in the corridor during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement has been a contentious issue between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas insists that Israeli troops must withdraw from the border zone.
Netanyahu reportedly presented maps outlining how the IDF should remain in the corridor during the first phase of the deal, which also involves the release of hostages, to prevent Hamas from resuming arms smuggling through tunnels under the corridor.
Netanyahu reportedly said, “I would like to bring the decision on the IDF troops remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor for the Cabinet’s approval.”
During the meeting, Gallant interjected, stating that Hamas would likely reject this condition, resulting in no agreement and no hostages being released.
He, however, accused Netanyahu of presenting different maps from those preferred by Israeli negotiators in Cairo, claiming, “You imposed these maps on them.”
Netanyahu dismissed the claim, yet Gallant continued to press his concerns, suggesting that the Prime Minister had assumed sole authority over negotiations following the War Cabinet's disbandment, thereby undermining collaborative governance.
Gallant's comments included a provocative remark, “The prime minister can indeed make all the decisions, and he can also decide to kill all the hostages,” which drew criticism from other ministers.
He also warned that, “in the end, Sinwar will dictate to you and you’ll retract,” referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
The cabinet eventually voted on the maps presented by Netanyahu, approving them eight to one, with Gallant as the sole dissenter.