In the latest turn of events, Israel has reportedly informed Egypt of its intention to send troops into Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, despite Egypt's firm opposition to such a move. The news, reported by Maariv, citing Sky News Arabia, comes amidst a period of strain between Israel and Egypt, raising concerns that their relationship may be on the brink of collapse.

According to the report, Egypt has rejected Israel's request to send troops to Rafah. Head of the State Information Services (SIS), Diaa Rashwan, had previously warned that any Israeli move in this direction would seriously jeopardize Egyptian-Israeli relations. Egypt has been vocal about the need to maintain stability in the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to questions about the situation, stating that relations with Egypt are ongoing and normal between the governments, but each country must prioritize its own interests. While Netanyahu tried to downplay the tensions, his lack of communication with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, suggests a significant strain in their relationship.

The Wall Street Journal also highlighted the "deepening chill" between Israel and Egypt, attributing it to the ongoing conflict between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas. It is reported that Netanyahu has not had any recent conversations with al-Sisi, who has been avoiding his calls. The report further suggests Cairo's conviction that Israel has a secret plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the Sinai Peninsula.

This recent development has added fuel to the already tense relations between Israel and Egypt. With conflicting interests and suspicions, the strained relationship between the two nations raises concerns about the stability of the region.

In the midst of these tensions, there have been hints that the IDF may extend its operations further south, possibly reaching Rafah, as stated by former IDF spokesman Avi Benyahu. The Arab media has also reported that the IDF is demanding that soldiers on the Egyptian side clear the corridor for their arrival, further escalating the situation.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Israel and Egypt will navigate these mounting tensions and whether they can find a way to de-escalate the situation. The international community will be closely watching these developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution that ensures stability in the region.