Israeli Analysts Criticize Netanyahu’s Emphasis on Philadelphia Axis in Gaza War

Israeli analysts have expressed criticism towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s focus on the Philadelphia axis in the Gaza war, suggesting it may hinder reaching an agreement with the Palestinian resistance in Gaza.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the Philadelphia axis in a press conference, stating that achieving the goals of the Gaza war depends on it and that his forces will not withdraw from the area.

Questioning the Significance of the Philadelphia Axis

Channel 12 military analyst Nir Dvori argued that the Philadelphia axis was not a fundamental problem for Israel, as they did not approach it for 8 months of the war. Dvori also pointed out that Netanyahu hesitated to agree to an operation in the area.

Dvori further explained that most of the weapons used by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) were manufactured in the Gaza Strip, as the tunnels under the Philadelphia Axis were closed, making smuggling impossible.

Comparing the Philadelphia Axis to Other Strategic Locations

Channel 12 political affairs analyst Amnon Abramovich questioned the significance of the Philadelphia Axis, comparing it to other strategic locations. Abramovich noted that Netanyahu voted four times in the Knesset on plans to disengage from the Gaza Strip without mentioning the Philadelphia axis.

US Administration’s Position on the Talks

Channel 13’s political analyst, Rafif Dukar, believed that Netanyahu’s last press conference was disappointing, as it became clear that no prisoner would be released from Gaza under the current circumstances. Dukar wondered why Israel did not occupy the Philadelphia axis seven months ago.

Channel 13 correspondent in the US, Neria Krause, referred to US President Joe Biden’s statement, in which he said that Netanyahu is not doing enough. Krause noted that such rhetoric has become public policy in America.

According to Channel 11 political affairs correspondent Amichai Stein, American officials have expressed disappointment with Netanyahu’s recent actions regarding the Philadelphia axis in closed-door talks.