The Israeli military said on Wednesday night that it had taken “tactical control” over the Philadelphi Corridor — a sensitive strip of Gaza along its border with Egypt — in a move that could further tax Israel’s already strained ties with Cairo.
“It must be in our hands; it must be closed,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel told reporters in December, after being asked whether Israel still intended to capture the zone.
But in briefing reporters later on Wednesday night, Admiral Hagari stopped short of claiming that the tunnels crossed the border.
“I can’t say now that all of these tunnels cross into Egypt,” he said.
The tunnel shafts in Gaza “are located in proximity to the border with Egypt, including in buildings and homes,” he added.
Persons:
Daniel Hagari, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Admiral Hagari, ”, “, “ We’ll
Organizations:
Hamas, ”
Locations:
Gaza, Egypt, Cairo, Palestinian, Israel, rearming