The United States is making military preparations near the Gaza border ahead of a planned deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the Palestinian territory, Israeli media have reported.
Israel’s Walla news website reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had initially authorised the United States to deploy around 250 foreign military personnel. Israel had previously indicated that it would allow dozens of foreign military personnel into Gaza but had not specified a number.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-914289
According to the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency, citing the Walla report, Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda and Albania have expressed interest in contributing to the proposed mission.
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The proposed international force, which has been under discussion for several months, has yet to enter Gaza amid indications of Israeli resistance. Its deployment is part of US President Donald Trump’s broader plan for the Palestinian territory.
Israeli Military Concerns
The Walla report said Israel’s military establishment was concerned about the potential role of the international force, its deployment timeline and the implications for Israel’s security policy in Gaza.
Those concerns have reportedly intensified following the November 3 midterm elections in the United States, in which Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress from Trump’s Republican Party.
Israeli military officials are reportedly concerned that senior figures in the US administration could adopt a tougher approach towards Israel.
An unnamed Israeli security official told Walla that it was conceivable that Gaza Division and Souther Command personnel could one day find themselves facing an international force larger than the Israelimilitary division operating in the territory.
The official said Israel needed to prepare for various diplomatic and security scenarios that could affect its operational influence on the ground, without providing further details.
US Military Preparations Near Gaza
According to Walla, US troops and officials from other countries have recently been spotted near the Gaza border, as Washington accelerates preparations for the proposed multinational mission.
A military base in southern Israel has reportedly been converted into a fortified US facility. Israeli military officials, speaking anonymously, said American troops and foreign officials had been observed moving around the border area over the past two weeks.
The report said the activities were part of preparations for the International Stabilisation Force to potentially enter deeper into Gaza.
The US military has reportedly moved vehicles and equipment to a designated site within the area of responsibility of the Israeli military’s Southern Brigade, which operates under the Gaza Division.
The equipment includes trucks, highly mobile armoured personnel carriers, medical evacuation vehicles and machine-gun-equipped armoured vehicles.
The facility was previously an Israeli military base before being handed over to the United States, according to the report.
Security arrangements around the site have also been strengthened, with guard towers, surveillance equipment and lighting systems installed. Perimeter fencing has been reinforced, while armed US personnel provide round-the-clock security.
The proposed international deployment is expected to play a role in post-war security arrangements in Gaza, although its mandate, composition and operational authority remain key questions.
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