Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expedited the approval process for the entry of International Stabilization Forces (ISF) into the Gaza Strip in an effort to facilitate a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Israel's Channel 12 on July 27, the White House was initially not enthusiastic about a meeting with Netanyahu and conveyed to Israeli officials that he must present visible diplomatic achievements before visiting Washington.
In response, Netanyahu reportedly brought forward the agenda for the initial entry of ISF into Gaza to the security cabinet to demonstrate progress on the Gaza issue.
The ISF is a multinational force aimed at supporting the demilitarization of Gaza in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, as well as securing borders and humanitarian zones. It is also expected to assist in training Palestinian police.
Channel 12 reported that “Netanyahu pushed for the approval of this agenda even without the disarmament of Hamas.” This move contradicts the Israeli security cabinet's previous stance that Hamas must disarm before international forces can enter Gaza.
On July 26, the Israeli security cabinet approved the procedures for ISF troops to enter the outskirts of a proposed humanitarian zone in southern Rafah. The initial deployment is expected to involve about 200 troops from allied countries.
However, this decision does not mean that troops will be deployed immediately. The actual sending of troops and the countries involved will require additional approval from Netanyahu and Israel's defense and foreign ministers. The specific timing for deployment has not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington on July 28.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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