The Israeli military has affirmed its capability to hold the Philadelphia Corridor securely along the Gaza Strip border with Egypt, while retaining the option to conduct targeted raids if political leaders authorize them. This stance was communicated by the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Herzi Halevi, during a regional visit, according to reporting from TASS.
In a briefing with the army press service, Halevi described an ongoing operational dialogue with senior commanders in the Rafah area. He highlighted notable gains made over the ten months of operations in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the military apparatus has dismantled the core structure of Hamas and rendered many of its capabilities obsolete. Halevi underscored the aim of sustained pressure on radical elements until all hostages being held in the region are accounted for and released under an agreed framework.
On the topic of maintaining control over the Philadelphia Corridor, Halevi pointed to its strategic value in reinforcing Israel’s security posture. He stated that the army stands ready to respond to whatever scenario is selected at the political level. If the decision is to retain a steady presence in the corridor, the forces have the means to manage it effectively. If a decision is made to carry out raids when necessary, the military is prepared to execute those operations with precision.
Defined as a narrow strip approximately 20 kilometers long along the Gaza Strip and the Egyptian border, the Philadelphia Corridor has been under Israeli control since the military operation that began in October 2023, prompted by Hamas attacks in southern Israel. This control is framed by concerns about arms smuggling across the border, which Israel contends fuels the replenishment of weapons stocks for Palestinian militants in Gaza. As a result, officials argue that maintaining oversight of the corridor is essential until a reliable mechanism is in place to prevent such transfers.
Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the ongoing situation is viewed in terms of broader regional security and political signaling. Israeli authorities have repeatedly linked the corridor’s status to broader objectives, including maintaining deterrence, securing hosting communities along the border, and ensuring that any future escalation remains predictable and manageable. The government has indicated a willingness to adapt its posture in response to evolving threats and diplomatic developments, while stressing that the primary priority remains the safety of Israeli civilians and the prevention of cross-border attacks.