An Israeli decision to allow a foreign country to secure the corridor would be a departure from the original IDF plan. Israel has always said it must maintain control of the route until Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces prove they can prevent the smuggling of ammunition and terrorists in the area. Arabs from Egypt and Gaza have been involved in digging scores of smuggling tunnels along the route, and it has also been the scene of several bombings and terrorist attacks.
Relinquishing responsibility for securing the route to Egypt would give the government of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak more clout in its growing alliance with the PA.
The proposal came as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed his dissatisfaction with PA security forces' willingness to prevent terror attacks in Gaza. Terrorists continued last week with shooting attacks on IDF soldiers and mortar shells against Jewish communities on a daily basis. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz noted that during this past week alone, which has been touted as a quiet one, there were 55 terror attacks or attempts.
Egypt also has suggested that if the planned summit at Sharm a-Sheikh Tuesday concludes amicably, Cairo will return its ambassador to Israel.
Relinquishing responsibility for securing the route to Egypt would give the government of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak more clout in its growing alliance with the PA.
The proposal came as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed his dissatisfaction with PA security forces' willingness to prevent terror attacks in Gaza. Terrorists continued last week with shooting attacks on IDF soldiers and mortar shells against Jewish communities on a daily basis. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz noted that during this past week alone, which has been touted as a quiet one, there were 55 terror attacks or attempts.
Egypt also has suggested that if the planned summit at Sharm a-Sheikh Tuesday concludes amicably, Cairo will return its ambassador to Israel.