Ephraim Sneh: Israel must retake the Philadelphi Corridor

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 2 February 2011

In an Op Ed column appearing in the 1 February 2011 edition of Yediot
Ahronot, former Labor Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh write that in the
wake of developments in Egypt that Israel must retake the Philadelphi
Corridor along the Gaza-Egyptian border. “If this is not done the military
strength of Hamas in Gaza, that is already intolerable, will increase. The
cost of taking over the Philadelphi Corridor is less than the unavoidable
price of dealing with Hamas in the future in the Gaza Strip after it is
reinforced with sophisticated weapons and instructors from Iran.”

Sneh also recommends that the size of the IDF be increased based on the
assumption that Egypt is no longer not an enemy. “This is mostly via the
establishment of large reserve forces and also an accelerated acquisition of
advanced systems.”

Sneh also recommends accelerating the construction of a barrier between
Egypt and Israel in the Sinai and the construction of the infrastructure for
delivering gas from Israeli wells in the Mediterranean

Sneh calls for quickly completing a peace agreement with the Palestinians to
support the “moderates”.

Sneh’s column does not explain how supporting a “land for piece of paper”
deal with the Palestinian “moderates” who can ultimately be replaced by
others jibes with the changes he himself fears are taking place in Egypt as
a result of the possible replacement of “moderates” there.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il