In an interview today (Thursday) with the American network Fox News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed pressing security issues in Israel, specifically the Philadelphi Route and the hostage deal. During the interview, Netanyahu expressed his firm stance on negotiations with Hamas and the importance of Israeli control over the Philadelphi Route, emphasizing the challenges and risks involved in any potential concession.
At the start of the interview, Netanyahu said, “I have flexible points, but I also have red lines. Concessions now? That’s a license to kill more hostages.” He continued, highlighting the difficult dilemma facing decision-makers: “Our hearts break, but we must also do what is necessary to secure the country’s future.” With this, Netanyahu sought to convey a clear message regarding his tough approach in the negotiations, while stressing the heavy price that could result from far-reaching concessions.
During the interview, Netanyahu mistakenly referred to the date of “Black Saturday,” saying, “In Gaza, they want to repeat the massacre of November 7.” This is a significant mistake, and it is not the first time Netanyahu has confused the date. On Monday, during a press conference, he mistakenly said the massacre occurred on October 9.
Later in the interview, Netanyahu tried to fend off criticism of his personal motives, saying, “I’m not concerned with my political future but with Israel’s future.” He blamed Hamas for prolonging the war, saying, “They refuse to return the hostages. The obstacle to ending the war and releasing the hostages is Hamas.” With this, Netanyahu aimed to paint a clear picture of “good versus evil,” with Israel portrayed as seeking a solution while Hamas is depicted as the party stalling any progress.
Netanyahu strongly addressed the issue of the Philadelphi Route, rejecting the stance of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other security officials. They claimed that Israel could return to the route within six weeks if it leaves as part of a hostage deal. Netanyahu took a firm stand, stating, “Once we leave, they can smuggle hostages out, and the only way to prevent that is to stay there.” He added, “If we leave, there will be significant pressure not to return,” repeating an argument he raised during Sunday’s press conference.
The prime minister further elaborated on the strategic importance of the Philadelphi Route: “The Philadelphi Route is Iran’s gateway to Gaza. The vast majority of ministers voted to stay there.” He stressed the dangers of relinquishing control of the route: “Asking Israel to make concessions after the massacre sends a message to Hamas – ‘Kill more hostages and you’ll get more concessions.’ The vast majority of Israelis oppose this.”
Netanyahu concluded his position firmly: “If you want to free the hostages, you must hold onto the Philadelphi Route. If we leave, they will smuggle the hostages to Sinai, and from there to Iran and Yemen, and they’ll be lost forever.” He dismissed claims that the disagreement over Philadelphi is preventing a deal, saying, “Reports that the dispute over Philadelphi is blocking a deal are not true.”
