Philistia

Philistia consisted of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.

The Babylonian Chronicles recount Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Philistia between 604–601 B.C.E.

With Assyria in full control of the Levantine littoral, Philistia, which was vital to Assyrian political and commercial aspirations, was treated leniently and was awarded “favored nation” status.

All of Assyria's dealings with Egypt were obliged to pass through Philistia; geographic expediency also seems to have resulted in most of Assyria's interactions with Judah progressing via Philistia.