Gazan int'l force would restrict IDF operations, enabling Hamas to recover, security officials warn

Israeli security officials warn that an international stabilization force in Gaza will restrict IDF operations and allow Hamas to recover, after the security cabinet approved legal immunity for the force. The warnings came as the US pushes for reconstruction before full demilitarization, and officials express doubts about the force's impact on IDF freedom of action and Hamas's ability to rebuild.

Israeli security officials are warning that the planned deployment of an international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip will restrict the IDF's operational freedom and enable Hamas to recover. The warnings came after the security cabinet approved granting legal immunity to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) ahead of its deployment to parts of the enclave on Sunday. According to political and security officials, the United States is pressing Israel to move forward with reconstruction before the Gaza Strip has been fully demilitarized and before Hamas has been disarmed. Security officials assess that the force would limit the IDF's offensive freedom of action, weaken its ability to operate against terrorist cells, and ultimately strengthen Hamas. A political source explained that the approval is part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, which led to the release of all hostages. Israel continues to insist that the IDF remain along the Yellow Line and not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed and the Gaza Strip fully demilitarized. However, Walla has learned that political and security officials asked the Americans to postpone the next phase of the plan to avoid undermining the IDF's achievements, but the request was rejected. Security officials argue that introducing the international force at this stage would normalize Hamas's status and allow the organization to select new leadership, rebuild its military wing, and reestablish its rule. They also expressed doubts about the feasibility of establishing a terrorism-free "Green City" in Rafah, assessing that Hamas would continue to intimidate the local population and exploit the initiative. The advocacy group "Future for the Gaza Envelope" criticized the cabinet's decision and demanded a clear answer on whether the move would make residents safer, stressing that any reconstruction must begin only after Hamas ceases to be both a military and governing threat.