Egypt Rejects Israeli Offer to Build Watchtowers Along Philadelphi Corridor

Latest Developments

Egypt rejected an Israeli proposal to build eight watchtowers along the Egypt-Gaza border as part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on August 24. Egypt reportedly also rejected a U.S. proposal for two watchtowers. The Egypt-Gaza border remains a sticking point in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations —whose latest round concluded on August 25 — as the United States and Israel attempt to navigate demands from both Egypt and Hamas. Israel insists on keeping Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops on the Gaza side of the border to prevent Hamas from rearming, while Hamas and Egypt are demanding that Israeli forces withdraw entirely and immediately.

Meanwhile, Egypt denies Israeli claims that there are active tunnels that run across its border with Gaza, asserting that all tunnels crossing into Egypt from Gaza had been blocked as part of a major effort six years ago. In recent weeks, the IDF revealed that it had demolished over 150 tunnels along Gaza’s southern border.

Expert Analysis

“At some point, the United States government is going to have to come to terms with the fact that Egypt was complicit, one way or another, in the Hamas tunnels that supplied weapons and cash to the group. Those tunnels probably facilitated the movement of the group’s fighters and leaders, too. At a minimum, Egypt failed to prevent the tunnels from operating. But it could be much worse than that. Given that Cairo receives significant aid from the United States, the U.S. taxpayer deserves some answers. A congressional hearing is needed. The intelligence community should weigh in, too.” —  Jonathan Schanzer, FDD Senior Vice President for Research

“The current discussions in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations do not offer a long-term solution to the larger problem facing Israel and Egypt. Dozens of tunnels have been discovered leading from Egypt into southern Gaza, with new discoveries happening almost daily. These tunnels are the main thoroughfare for Hamas to obtain weapons and explosives. An underground barrier to thwart future tunnel construction is needed in tandem with above-ground security and monitoring. Nothing short of that will stop Hamas from rearming.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Congressional Relations at FDD Action

“Egypt’s decision to reject this Israeli offer is indicative of its refusal to cooperate in good faith. For Israel, watching the Egypt-Gaza border is about preventing Hamas from rearming. As Israel continues to make concessions to reach a ceasefire agreement, Egypt’s actions raise questions about its complicity in the issue.” — Mariam Wahba, FDD Research Analyst

Israel Continues Finding Tunnels Along Border

Since Israel took operational control of the Philadelphi Corridor on May 29, the IDF has continued to discover tunnels that connect Gaza and Egypt. On May 17, Israel announced that its troops had discovered approximately 50 tunnels along the border that crossed into Egypt. On August 4, Israeli forces uncovered an unusually large tunnel during an operation along the border. According to photos provided by the IDF, the tunnel was located within view of Egyptian guard towers and the border fence, had a 10-foot-high clearance — enough to drive large vehicles through — and had concrete reinforced walls, ceilings, and floors. During the week of August 15, the IDF said it razed more than 50 additional tunnels.

Related Analysis

“Israel, Egypt Discuss Philadelphi Deployment,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Forces Raze 50 Terror Tunnels in Southern Gaza,” Flash Brief

“IDF unearths more tunnels, gains control of Philadelphi Corridor,” By Seth Frantzman

“Israel: 50 Rafah Tunnels to Egypt Unearthed,” Flash Brief