On Thursday evening, discussions took place in Cairo involving representatives from Israel, Egypt, and the United States, aimed at finding a resolution regarding the security of the Egypt-Gaza border and the reopening of the Rafah crossing, as reported by U.S. and Israeli officials. Axios has indicated that a significant point of contention in these negotiations is Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining the presence of Israel Defense Forces along the Philadelphi corridor at the Egypt-Gaza border. This issue has emerged as a critical barrier to finalizing an agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas and establishing a ceasefire in Gaza.
During a phone conversation on Wednesday, President Biden conveyed to Netanyahu his expectation for Israel to demonstrate flexibility on this matter, emphasizing that the Cairo discussions are aimed at eliminating the remaining obstacles to a potential agreement, according to U.S. officials.
A U.S. official noted that Biden was assertive with Netanyahu during their call.
In related developments, key Israeli officials, including Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and IDF Strategic Division Head Gen. Eliezer Toledano, traveled to Egypt on Thursday to participate in the Cairo talks, as confirmed by Israeli and U.S. officials. Additionally, Brett McGurk, Biden's senior adviser on Middle Eastern affairs, also arrived in Cairo to contribute to the discussions.
In the background, sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that the Israeli delegation presented an updated map reflecting Israel's official stance on the deployment of IDF forces along the Philadelphi corridor. This map indicates a decrease in the number of IDF personnel while still advocating for their complete presence along the entire corridor.
In response, Egypt has expressed its opposition to any permanent or long-term Israeli military presence on the Palestinian side of its border with Gaza.
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