Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Multinational Force for Gaza Despite Opposition from Ben Gvir

On Sunday, Israel's Security Cabinet approved the Peace Council's plan for Gaza, which includes deploying a multinational force to the Gaza Strip and granting a special status to the "Peace Board" in Gaza. The decision allows a pilot project to restore basic services, provide humanitarian aid, and build shelters in areas outside Hamas control, starting in Rafah. Temporary housing units will be established for Gaza residents, with strict vetting procedures to ensure no ties to Hamas. This area will be managed by the Palestinian National Consensus Government (NCAG) supported by the newly formed multinational force (ISF), composed of soldiers from several countries.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the plan, arguing Hamas failed to disarm and that the solution for Gaza should encourage emigration. In contrast, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported the initiative, despite dissent from his party colleague, Minister Orit Strook, who expressed skepticism about Hamas’s commitment and the plan’s potential success. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar acknowledged the risks but emphasized the importance of not undermining the effort. Minister Zeev Elkin recalled prior agreements linking the release of hostages to the introduction of international forces in Gaza.

Earlier reports indicated the Cabinet would discuss the Peace Council’s proposal to separate Hamas from the civilian population by introducing humanitarian zones and a multinational force. Meanwhile, an anonymous Hamas official told Saudi channel Al-Sharq that Khalil al-Hayya, newly appointed head of Hamas’s political bureau, intends to pursue diplomatic negotiations with Israel to achieve stability and reconstruction in Gaza, conditional on Israel’s reciprocal commitment to diplomacy. Al-Hayya has reportedly engaged with leaders in Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Iran, and the Palestinian Authority to push for a comprehensive agreement leading to a ceasefire and stability. He has also instructed Hamas officials to communicate with international mediators, including Nikolay Mladenov and representatives from Europe, Russia, and the U.S., to pressure Israel to honor ceasefire commitments and advance the next phase of the Trump administration’s peace plan.