Netanyahu says Israel to decide composition of international forces in Gaza - Reuters
Illustrative photo: Israel to decide which forces can enter Gaza under Trump's plan (Getty Images)
Israel reportedly intends to determine on its own the composition of the international forces that may be deployed in the Gaza Strip to help enforce the ceasefire outlined in US President Donald Trump’s plan, according to a publication by the Reuters news agency.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will retain the right to decide which foreign forces can take part in an international mission in Gaza. The move is part of the ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s position has been coordinated with Washington.
"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, and this is how we operate and will continue to operate," Netanyahu said.
While the White House has ruled out sending American troops, talks on the composition of the mission are ongoing with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
Implementation challenges
The main obstacle remains Hamas’s refusal to disarm. Following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the group began a campaign of repression against local clans, further deepening internal conflicts. Israel maintains that Hamas still possesses information about the locations of the bodies of 13 deceased hostages.
"Israel is aware that Hamas knows where our deceased hostages are, in fact, located. If Hamas made more of an effort, they would be able to retrieve the remains of our hostages," the spokesperson said.
An Egyptian team, in cooperation with the Red Cross, has been involved in the search efforts.
Political pressure and US role
At a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel remains independent in security matters and does not act under the dictates of the US administration.
However, diplomatic sources suggest that Trump’s mediation efforts pushed Israel to accept the framework of the peace plan and engage in talks with Qatar following the bombing incident involving Hamas representatives.
Washington hopes that Arab partners will assist in completing the hostage exchange and stabilizing the situation in Gaza.
The Israeli parliament recently gave preliminary approval to a bill extending Israeli law to the occupied West Bank. The initiative met mixed reactions: 25 lawmakers voted in favor, 24 against, and Netanyahu’s own party abstained.
Separately, Israeli forces eliminated Houthis' chief of staff, Muhammad al-Ghamari, during an airstrike in Yemen. According to Defense Minister Israel Katz, al-Ghamari was likely fatally wounded during the IDF operation.
