Israel's security cabinet on Sunday approved the deployment of an international stabilization force to the Gaza Strip, launching a pilot reconstruction project beginning in Rafah. The decision, seen as a move to accommodate U.S. demands ahead of a planned Washington visit, greenlights the establishment of a force headquarters near the southern city.
The initial contingent will comprise roughly 200 troops from nations including Uganda, Morocco, Albania, and Kazakhstan, operating outside the military's designated "yellow line" under full coordination with Israeli forces. Each soldier requires personal approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defense minister, and the foreign minister. The plan also includes two residential zones for tens of thousands of residents and the gradual entry of a Palestinian technocratic committee backed by unarmed police.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against the measure, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported it. Hamas has not agreed to disarmament.