Netanyahu Demands Final Say: Israel to Vet All Nations in Gaza Peace Force

Days after a truce brokered by Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s right to decide which countries can join a planned international peacekeeping force in Gaza. “We have made it clear… Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated on Sunday.
This declaration comes amid the significant challenge of Hamas refusing to disarm, a key point of contention in the post-conflict arrangement. The prime minister added that this position is “acceptable to the United States as well,” citing recent expressions from its most senior representatives.
The composition of the international force remains a major unresolved issue. Netanyahu last week signaled his opposition to any Turkish involvement, reflecting the deteriorated relations between the two nations. It is still unclear which Arab or other states, such as Egypt, Indonesia, or Gulf countries, might contribute troops.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, affirmed the American stance. He said the force must be composed of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with” and explicitly ruled out any role for Hamas in Gaza’s future governance. The US has already stated it will not send its own soldiers.
Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire is facing tests. An Israeli strike hit the Nuseirat refugee camp, targeting alleged militants. Hamas condemned this as a “clear violation.” Furthermore, the slow return of Israeli hostage remains has prompted a warning from Donald Trump, urging Hamas to expedite the process.