Smotrich and Struck Demand Halt to ISF Force Entry into Gaza Strip

Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Struck have urgently called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene the Security Cabinet and stop the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into the Gaza Strip. They argue that the recently published "roadmap" by the Peace Council significantly differs from the version presented to cabinet members and poses a security risk to Israel.

In a letter to Netanyahu, Smotrich and Struck demand a cabinet decision to block the implementation of the current roadmap and require the international body to revise the plan to align with Israel's war objectives and commitments. They claim the official document allows for a gradual Israeli military withdrawal before full disarmament of Gaza, with weapons being transferred to a new Palestinian entity rather than destroyed. They also criticize the plan for applying Palestinian Authority law in Gaza and redefining the ISF's role to separate Israeli forces from the new Palestinian body rather than combating terrorist groups.

The ministers further warn against establishing a new international verification committee not presented to the cabinet, which they fear could act against Israel's security interests. They note the roadmap does not condition Gaza's reconstruction on complete disarmament, lacks sufficient oversight on construction materials, and reaffirms the establishment of a Palestinian state as a political goal.

A political source stated Israel will maintain its current stance in Gaza, with the IDF continuing operations to thwart threats against Israeli civilians and forces. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Smotrich for reversing his support for the Peace Council's Gaza plan and joined him in opposing the move, asserting that only Israel can defeat Hamas. Ben-Gvir plans to urge Netanyahu to bring the agreement to a Knesset vote rather than keep it secret.