The proposal to grant Egypt control over the southern border of the Gaza Strip has not yet been removed from the agenda. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told the French newspaper Le Figaro yesterday that his country is not willing to take control over the Gaza Strip - prompting sources in Prime Minister Sharon's office to say that he had never been made such an offer. They added, however, that Israel expects "nothing more of Egypt [than to] patrol the southern border."
Many Israeli security officials have ridiculed even this proposal, however. They say that Israel must retain control over the tunnels via which the Arabs smuggle in arms from Egypt - which Egypt has done nothing to stop until now.
Mubarak also had criticism of the United States, saying that its plans for political reform in the Arab world could encourage violence and would lead to anarchy.
Many Israeli security officials have ridiculed even this proposal, however. They say that Israel must retain control over the tunnels via which the Arabs smuggle in arms from Egypt - which Egypt has done nothing to stop until now.
Mubarak also had criticism of the United States, saying that its plans for political reform in the Arab world could encourage violence and would lead to anarchy.