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Israel hinges final pullback on Egypt

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Israel will make its decision on withdrawing troops from the Gaza-Egypt border after Egypt deploys troops on its side of the border, security officials say.

Israeli and Palestinian officials are finalizing an agreement that would upgrade the 750-strong Egyptian force to monitor the border between the Sinai and the Gaza Strip, known as the Philadelphi Route.

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Israel is concerned that if it gives up control in the area, Palestinians may import advanced weapons that could strike harder and deeper into Israel. However if it does not withdraw, troops there could become the focus of Palestinian attacks.

The Security Cabinet decided Monday that Israel would monitor Egyptian activities before deciding whether to pull out.

The Ha'aretz newspaper reported Tuesday that Israel would admit some 40 Palestinian families from the Gaza Strip who had assisted the defense establishment. The families, who live in Dahaniyeh near Rafah, petitioned the High Court of Justice demanding compensation and the right to enter Israel as part of the disengagement.

The Cabinet also decided to recognize a three-mile strip off the Mediterranean coast as the Gaza Strip's territorial waters, Ha'aretz reported.

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