Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set the rules for the Gaza peacekeeping force, demanding a full veto, and he says the United States agrees. “Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated, adding, “This is, of course, acceptable to the United States.”
This declaration of control comes as the Trump-brokered truce is challenged by an armed Hamas. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Israel, confirmed the alignment, stating the force must be “countries that Israel’s comfortable with” and must exclude Hamas.
Netanyahu has already signaled opposition to Turkish involvement, reflecting diplomatic tensions. The US will not send troops, but is exploring a UN resolution for the force.
The truce is unstable. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp, which Israel claimed targeted militants, was called a “clear violation” by Hamas.
The exchange of remains is another major issue. Donald Trump warned Hamas he is “watching very closely” to ensure the return of more Israeli bodies, a process Hamas claims is difficult.