Security establishment weighed withdrawal from several points in Gaza Strip

The security establishment discussed pinpoint withdrawals of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip and the entry of a multinational force in their place, amid American pressure. A security source warns that the multinational force is thin, with about 500 soldiers from Morocco and contacts with Uganda, and does not provide a substitute for the IDF. The discussions have escalated, but foreign forces are not expected to arrive in the coming month and a half.

In recent days, the security establishment has discussed the possibility of pinpoint withdrawals of IDF forces from several points in the Gaza Strip, and the entry of a multinational force in their place. This comes amid American pressure on Israel, while the precise definition of "disarming Hamas" remains unclear. A security source warned that the expected multinational force is thin: "The number of soldiers is simply not enough. It's a handful of soldiers, and on the basis of this force they are trying to build towers. This is very concerning. The Americans don't leave too many options - but they are getting us into a problem in Gaza." As of now, Morocco is expected to send about 500 soldiers, and there are contacts with Uganda to send forces of similar magnitude, while the rest of the countries are expected to send only dozens of soldiers. This scale is far from the initial plan of thousands of soldiers. The security establishment has serious doubts about the force's ability to fulfill a significant role and replace the IDF in the areas from which it is supposed to withdraw. The foreign forces are not expected to arrive in the Strip in the coming month and a half. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded.