A significant disagreement has emerged within Israel's defense establishment regarding the future of the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer strip along the Gaza-Egypt border described by some as "Hamas' oxygen line."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi reportedly support withdrawing from the corridor as part of a potential hostage release deal with Hamas. Their position is summarized with the phrase, "we can always return there."
However, this stance has drawn sharp criticism from sources within the Southern Command and Engineering Corps. These military officials argue that such a move could be more dangerous for Israel's future security than the misconceptions that preceded the October 7 attack.
The critics point to extensive discoveries beneath the Philadelphi Corridor. Military sources report finding what they describe as an "underground city" of smuggling tunnels. In the sector overseen by Engineering Battalion 605 alone, more than 50 tunnels have been uncovered. Estimates suggest the total number could reach or exceed 100, with many described as sophisticated.
One of the key concerns is the potential for rapid rebuilding of Hamas' strength. A military source questioned, "Can we entrust the security of Israeli citizens to the Egyptians or any force in the world after October 7, when Hamas will want to rebuild its strength quickly?"
The same source accused the Egyptians of "double play" and "hypocrisy," citing evidence that weapons, dual-use materials, ammunition, terrorists, and manufacturing machines were transferred through Sinai to Gaza with Egyptian knowledge.
The debate has taken on added urgency, with calls for a comprehensive discussion on the matter. Many in the IDF's upper echelons fear that relinquishing control of the Philadelphi Corridor could swiftly undermine the war's achievements.
Some officials are drawing a stark comparison to other security issues. As one source put it, "Handing over Philadelphi to a foreign entity will become a bigger scandal than allowing Hezbollah to return to the northern border because Hamas has proven its intentions and determination not to give up its path."
The source concluded with a warning about the potential long-term consequences: "If we let go of it, we'll have a problem with the Egyptians to return there."
