Def Min To Hold Presser Amid Deterioration In Relations w/Egypt

The office of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has confirmed that the minister will deliver a security briefing to the press at 1800 local time (1100ET, 1600BST, 1700CET). The briefing comes as the IDF finds itself increasingly fighting on two fronts. As well as its push into residential areas in the southern city of Rafah, it is having to contest with Hamas battalions that have re-established themselves in the north of the Gaza strip. The Jabaliya refugee camp in particular has seen a significant escalation in IDF operations.

• This comes as Israel and Egypt argue over the Rafah border crossing, the Gaza side of which was seized earlier in May by the IDF. Each side blames the other for the closure of the crossing, with Israel calling for the UK and Germany to intervene.
• Relations between Egypt and Israel have deteriorated significantly in recent times, with the Times of Israel reportingthis could threaten Egypt's continued participation as a mediator in the indirect hostages-for-ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
• This would be a sub-optimal outcome for Israel. The Egyptian gov't is a staunch opponent of Hamas, due to the group's historic links to the proscribed Muslim Brotherhood organisation. As such, although Egypt has strongly objected to the scale of Israel's assault on Gaza (with Cairo fearing a huge influx of Palestinian refugees across the border) its gov't has been seen by Israel as reliable in ensuring talks to not 'favour' Hamas.