Israel approves deployment of international forces to Gaza

The Security Cabinet approved granting the ISF immunity under Israel's International Organization Immunities Law, adding that the force will operate in full coordination with the IDF in areas outside IDF control, The Times of Israel reports.

The entry of any ISF personnel will require separate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Katz, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, indicating that this decision does not authorize the immediate deployment of the force.

"Israel insists that the IDF will continue to hold the Yellow Line (to which troops retreated last October), and there will be no further withdrawal until Hamas is completely disarmed and the Gaza Strip is completely demilitarized," the source said.

The Cabinet has decided that Israel will determine which countries' personnel will be allowed to enter the region, the official said, adding: "Only those countries with which Israel has a peace agreement and which do not oppose the State of Israel or its officials in international forums will be eligible to participate."

This condition likely excludes Indonesia, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel and initially promised to contribute about 8,000 troops to the force, though it has abandoned the idea in recent months due to domestic backlash and doubts about progress in implementing the Gaza plan.

"At this stage, the force is expected to consist of approximately 200 personnel from friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco," the official noted.

Photo: Jaber Jehad Badwan.