The American New York Times revealed that Israel and Egypt privately discussed a possible withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza border with Egypt as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
This came quoting Israeli officials and a senior Western diplomat, according to what the newspaper reported.
The New York Times added that Israel's willingness to do so could remove one of the main obstacles to the truce with Hamas, which said that Israel's withdrawal from the territories, including the borders, is a prerequisite for a ceasefire.
It seems that negotiations on the truce have gained momentum in recent days, but there are still several points of contention. The first relates to the length of the truce, as Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire, while Israel wants it to be temporary.
It is noteworthy that the Israeli army took control of the southern border of Gaza, i.e. the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphia axis, during the months of May and June.
This led to tense relations with Egypt, which warned that the operation would cause great harm and could threaten Egyptian national security, according to what the New York Times reported.
Israel is reluctant to withdraw because it says that this would make it easier for Hamas to replenish its arsenal and re-establish its authority over Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday that he "insists that Israel remain on the Philadelphia axis."
But in private discussions last week with the Egyptian government, senior Israeli envoys indicated that Israel might be willing to withdraw if Egypt agreed to measures that would prevent weapons smuggling along the border, according to the three officials.
Officials said the proposed measures include installing electronic sensors along the border that can detect future tunneling efforts, as well as building underground barriers to prevent tunnel construction.
All three requested anonymity in order to speak more freely about an idea that Israel has not publicly supported.
Publicly, both Israel and Egypt denied confirmation of the talks.
The ruling coalition led by Netanyahu needs the support of lawmakers opposed to any truce that would keep Hamas in power, and his government may collapse if he acknowledges what his envoys are discussing in private.
Israeli media and Reuters first reported on the talks last week; Netanyahu was quick to dismiss the reports as “completely fake news.”
But Netanyahu's Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, had suggested in a separate statement earlier in the week that Israel could withdraw under certain circumstances.
He added: "What is required is a solution that stops smuggling attempts, cuts off potential supplies to Hamas, and enables the withdrawal of Israeli army forces."
When asked for comment on Monday, Netanyahu's office referred The New York Times to the prime minister's previous statement. The Egyptian government refused to comment.
According to the New York Times, an Egyptian state television channel, citing an unnamed Egyptian official, said on Friday that no agreement had been reached on the border — but stopped short of denying that Israeli and Egyptian officials had discussed the matter.
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