The escalating dispute between Israel and Egypt over the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border has complicated cease-fire negotiations and strained the historical security partnership between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on occupying the border area to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons, framing it as vital for Israel's existence. However, Egypt argues that it has already taken significant measures to counter smuggling and fears that accepting Israeli troops would jeopardize its own security and provoke public backlash. The scale of Hamas's smuggling activities through the border remains uncertain, with conflicting views among Israeli officials. While the destruction of most smuggling tunnels by Egypt has curbed the problem, some smuggling still occurs, primarily through the Rafah crossing and alternative routes. Netanyahu's recent emphasis on securing the corridor has raised suspicions that he is using the issue to hinder cease-fire negotiations. Israel and the U.S. have previously urged Egypt to enhance border security, including building underground walls and installing advanced screening at the Rafah crossing. Egypt maintains that it has effectively disrupted smuggling routes and views Hamas as a security threat. The presence of Israeli troops in the corridor is a delicate point for Egypt, which has warned Israel that its actions could violate their peace treaty. Despite the current tension, both countries have a vested interest in maintaining the peace treaty, which has facilitated military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and economic benefits. In summary, the dispute over the border has complicated peace efforts and strained the Egypt-Israel security partnership, with both sides seeking to protect their national interests while preserving their longstanding peace treaty.