Netanyahu Apologizes for Loss of Hostages, Stands by Philadelphi Corridor Decision

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare public apology on Monday to the families of six hostages who were executed by Hamas, acknowledging the nation’s collective grief while defending his decision to maintain a military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic area along the border between Gaza and Egypt.

“My heart and the heart of the nation is shattered into pieces,” Netanyahu said during a special press conference, where he addressed the growing criticism over his handling of the hostage crisis. The deaths of the hostages, who were shot at close range, have sparked outrage across Israel, with the country’s largest union staging a national strike to demand an immediate hostage deal.

To the grieving families, Netanyahu expressed deep regret, saying, “I ask for your forgiveness that we did not succeed in bringing them home alive. We were close, but we did not make it.” Despite the tragic outcome, he emphasized his ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages, stating, “I am working around the clock, looking for every path possible.”

Netanyahu also addressed accusations from both domestic and international critics that he is obstructing a potential deal. He pointed to recent statements from senior U.S. officials praising Israel’s flexibility in negotiations, questioning what had changed in the past five days—other than Hamas’s execution of the hostages. “What message does this send Hamas? It says, kill more hostages. Murder more hostages. You’ll get more concessions,” Netanyahu warned, insisting that the pressure should be directed at Hamas, not Israel.

A significant portion of Netanyahu’s address was dedicated to defending the strategic importance of the Philadelphi Corridor. He argued that retaining control of this buffer zone is crucial for Israel’s national security, as it prevents Hamas from smuggling weapons and potentially hostages out of Gaza. “Once Israel left the Philadelphi Corridor in 2005 during the Gaza pullout, there was a massive introduction of weapons, munitions, machines for producing weapons and machines for digging tunnels—all sponsored by Iran, directed by Iran, financed by Iran,” he explained.

Netanyahu dismissed calls from some Israeli defense officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have suggested that Israel could temporarily withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor to facilitate the hostage deal. He argued that such a move would have irreversible consequences, stating, “Once Israel leaves the Philadelphi, it will never be allowed to return.”

The Prime Minister also addressed the broader implications of the ongoing conflict, noting that the war in Gaza and the hostilities along Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah are part of a larger battle against Iran’s influence in the region. He emphasized the need for national unity, warning that divisions within Israeli society would only strengthen Israel’s enemies.

In a pointed message to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Netanyahu declared that Hamas’s strategy to divide Israeli society would not succeed. “We need to stand united for our existential interest,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to both military and diplomatic efforts to protect Israel.

Netanyahu’s press conference highlighted the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the difficult decisions facing Israel’s leadership as they navigate the dual challenges of war and hostage negotiations.

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