In a significant development regarding the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will have the final say on which foreign forces are acceptable to participate in a planned international force. This force is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to stabilize the region post-truce. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s sovereignty in security matters, stating, ‘We are in control of our security, and we will determine which forces are unacceptable to us.’ The Trump administration has ruled out deploying U.S. troops but has engaged with countries like Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to contribute to the multinational force. However, Israel has explicitly opposed Turkish involvement due to strained relations following Turkey’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Israel, reiterated that the force must consist of ‘countries that Israel is comfortable with.’ A major hurdle remains Hamas’s refusal to disarm, a key requirement of Trump’s plan. Meanwhile, Israel continues to control access to Gaza, and efforts are underway to locate the remains of 13 deceased hostages still in Hamas’s possession. Netanyahu also dismissed claims that U.S. administration dictates Israel’s security policy, emphasizing the partnership between the two nations.
Israel will decide which foreign troops acceptable to secure Gaza ceasefire: Netanyahu
