Netanyahu has 'lost his way', claims Gantz amid anger over hostage deaths

Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival, has accused the Israeli prime minister of putting his personal interests ahead of those of his country after he doubled down on Israeli control of the Gaza-Egypt border at a media conference on Monday, a position that has emerged as a key obstacle to a ceasefire deal.

- Bethan McKernan

Speaking in Tel Aviv yesterday, the centre-right National Unity party leader said Netanyahu had "lost his way" and saw himself as the state. "This is dangerous," Gantz said.

Netanyahu had insisted on Monday night that Israel must retain control of the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt, a stance that he has been warned jeopardises efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the war with Hamas.

Gantz and his fellow party member Gadi Eisenkot, both former heads of the army, were set to make a speech last night to "disprove Netanyahu's claims and expose the truth about the Philadelphi corridor and the hostages", according to a briefing from Gantz's office.

Netanyahu has not made regular speeches since 7 October, but gave a televised address on Monday after unprecedented protests across Israel in favour of a deal and a general strike, prompted by the discovery of six murdered hostages in Gaza. He ruled out making any "concessions" in the stalled talks or "giving into pressure" to end the war.