Israeli Security Officials Consider Partial IDF Withdrawal From Gaza Amid US Pressure

In recent weeks, Israeli security officials have debated the possibility of partial withdrawals of IDF forces from certain areas within the Gaza Strip, replacing them with a multinational force. This discussion comes despite repeated political statements that Israel will not retreat from the "yellow line" in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed. The exact definition of Hamas's disarmament remains unclear, but US pressure on Israel to reduce troop presence is intensifying.

Security sources warn that the multinational force planned to enter Gaza will be too small to effectively replace the IDF. One official expressed concern, saying, "A handful of soldiers are being used to build castles; this is very worrying." Morocco is expected to contribute the largest contingent, around 500 troops, with Uganda potentially sending a similar number. Other countries are expected to send only small groups of soldiers, far fewer than the thousands initially envisioned.

Officials doubt that such limited forces can play a significant role in Gaza or adequately substitute for Israeli troops in areas slated for withdrawal. Additionally, these foreign forces are not expected to arrive within the next month and a half. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded to inquiries about these developments.