Netanyahu Asserts Israel’s Control Over International Forces in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel would exclusively determine the composition of any international forces deployed to Gaza as part of a broader initiative to secure an end to the ongoing conflict. This declaration follows U.S. President Donald Trump‘s plan to involve international troops in the region, aimed at stabilizing the situation after a prolonged war that escalated following the cross-border attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

While the potential for international forces exists, uncertainty looms over whether Arab nations and other countries will agree to contribute troops. Netanyahu expressed concerns about the prospective force’s makeup, emphasizing Israel’s stance on security. “We are in control of our security, and we have also made it clear regarding international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated during a cabinet session. He reiterated that this position is also acceptable to the United States, as conveyed by senior American officials in recent discussions.

The U.S. administration has ruled out sending its own soldiers into Gaza, indicating that any multinational force could potentially include personnel from Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab nations. In a pointed commentary, Netanyahu indicated that he would oppose any involvement from Turkish security forces. Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated significantly, especially under the leadership of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has publicly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

During a visit to Israel, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, asserting that the international force must comprise nations with which Israel feels comfortable. However, he refrained from addressing the potential role of Turkey specifically. Rubio further noted that discussions regarding the future governance of Gaza must exclude Hamas, which continues to resist disarmament despite a ceasefire that has been in effect for two weeks as part of Trump’s 20-point plan.

Efforts to establish a multinational force face significant challenges, particularly given Hamas’s recent crackdown on dissenting groups within Gaza, which has raised concerns about the security environment. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel operates as an independent nation and dismissed any notion that the U.S. administration dictates Israel’s security policy, framing the relationship as a partnership rather than a commanding authority.

U.S. officials are currently evaluating a possible United Nations resolution or international agreement to authorize the multinational force in Gaza. Talks are expected to continue in Qatar, where key stakeholders will discuss the logistics and implications of the proposed international intervention in the region. As the situation develops, the focus remains on finding a viable solution that ensures regional stability and addresses the complexities surrounding Hamas’s control in Gaza.