Foreign Force Prepares to Enter Gaza Amid Israeli Security Concerns

Foreign military officers, accompanied by U.S. troops, have been observed near the Gaza border in recent weeks as part of preparations for a multinational force to enter the Strip. The current Israeli government has approved the U.S. deployment of an initial multinational contingent of approximately 250 foreign soldiers. Countries that have expressed willingness to participate include Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan (offering medical-logistical aid), Kosovo (offering security and policing assistance), Uganda, and Albania. Sources indicate that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is pressuring the U.S. to include Turkey in the mission, aiming to expand its regional influence. Israel's security establishment strongly opposes any Turkish involvement due to Ankara's policies towards Israel, Erdoğan's statements, and Turkey's hosting of Hamas leadership, which is suspected of directing a recent deadly attack near Hebron. Israeli security officials are concerned about potential U.S. policy shifts toward Israel and the rapid deployment of the multinational force, fearing a possible hardening of the U.S. administration's stance against Israel, particularly after Republican setbacks in recent elections. One security official warned that Israel must prepare for various political and security scenarios, as the multinational force could eventually exceed the size of the IDF's Gaza Division. The U.S. military continues to transfer vehicles and equipment, including armored trucks, jeeps, medical evacuation vehicles, and machine-gun-equipped vehicles, to a base near the Gaza Division's southern brigade, which was handed over by the IDF. This base is secured by armed American soldiers around the clock. Concurrently, a project is underway to establish a "terror-free Emirati city" on the ruins of part of Rafah, with government approval. This initiative involves engineering work to accommodate tens of thousands of Palestinians who will undergo strict security checks, including Israeli approval. The multinational force is slated to secure this area. This project is described as a "pilot" with a limited number of Palestinians undergoing checks, and no firm timeline is currently set. This development occurs against the backdrop of political opposition to Gaza's reconstruction without Hamas's disarmament and the transfer of control to a third party.