Israeli Security Officials Consider Limited IDF Withdrawals From Gaza Amid US Pressure

Israeli security officials have recently discussed the possibility of limited withdrawals of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from certain areas in the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Channel 12 News. These discussions come despite repeated statements from the political leadership that the IDF will not retreat from the "yellow line" until Hamas is fully disarmed. The report indicates that the United States is already applying pressure on Israel to move to the next phase of the operation.

The security establishment is exploring a plan where a multinational force would enter the areas vacated by the IDF. However, officials warn that the planned force is significantly smaller than initially expected. One security source described the contingent as "a handful of soldiers" and expressed concern that relying on this force as a basis for a broader Gaza arrangement is "very worrying." The source noted that while the Americans are limiting Israel's options, this could also create security challenges in Gaza.

Morocco is expected to contribute the largest number of troops, around 500, with Uganda also in talks to send a similar-sized force. Other countries are anticipated to send only a few dozen soldiers each, far below the original plan that envisioned thousands of troops. Israeli security officials doubt that such a small multinational force could effectively replace the IDF on the ground. Currently, foreign troops are not expected to deploy to Gaza within the next month and a half. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet issued a response to the report.