ISRAEL: Nat Sec Adviser-Gaza Fighting To Continue To Year-End

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi has claimed that he expects fighting in Gaza to continue for another seven months until year-end at the earliest. Speaking to public broadcaster KAN, Tzachi also claims that Israel is in control of 75% of the 'Philadelphi corridor, the 14km demilitarised buffer zone that runs the length of the Gaza-Egypt border. 

• Israel claims that control of the corridor is essential to stop weapons smuggling to Hamas via tunnels running under the border.
• On 28 May, reports stated that Israeli forces have reached the centre of the city of Rafah, with the BBC reporting that "tanks were stationed at al-Awda roundabout, which is considered a key landmark.They also said tanks were on Zoroub Hill, effectively giving Israel control of the Philadelphi Corridor..."
• The US had previously claimed that Israeli tanks in Rafah and the ongoing air strikes would risk crossing a 'red line'. However, on 28 May US State Dep't spox Matthew Miller seemed to claim that Israel's recent actions would not warrant a change in US policy (see 'US: ISRAEL: IDF Rafah Op. Appears To Fall Short Of 'Red Lines', US State Dep't' 1850BST).
• Opposition politicians met earlier today in an effort to put together a bloc of parties that could remove PM Benjamin Netanyahu from power. It should be noted that even if security cabinet member Benny Gantz removes his party from gov't, Netanyahu's right-wing coalition would still hold a majority.