Cabinet gives initial approval for international force in Gaza, with some 200 troops

The Israeli security cabinet voted to approve the limited entry of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with about 200 troops from friendly countries. The force will deploy along a pilot humanitarian zone in Rafah, operating in coordination with the IDF. National Security Minister Ben Gvir opposed, while Foreign Minister Sa'ar supported. Deployment requires further approval from Netanyahu, Katz, and Sa'ar.

The Israeli security cabinet on Sunday voted to approve the limited entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) under the Board of Peace-led plan for Gaza, which would include 200 troops from "friendly countries," Israeli officials told The Times of Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voted against the proposal, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar voted in favor. ISF troops would first deploy along the borders of a pilot humanitarian zone in Gaza being planned by the Board of Peace in the area of the flattened city of Rafah. The cabinet also approved granting the ISF immunity under Israel's "Immunities of International Organizations Law." The entry of any ISF personnel will still be subject to the specific approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Sa'ar. Israel will determine which countries are permitted to contribute personnel, excluding those without peace agreements or those acting against Israel in international forums. At this stage, the force is expected to consist of approximately 200 personnel from friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco. The Board of Peace has been promoting the plan for several months, envisioning a pilot humanitarian zone in Rafah from which Israeli troops would withdraw and be replaced by ISF personnel. The fragile ceasefire deal in October attempted to halt a two-year-long war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2023.