Israeli Defense Establishment Prepares for Partial IDF Withdrawal from Gaza Amid Multinational Force Plans

In recent days, Israel's defense establishment has been discussing the possibility of a limited withdrawal of IDF forces from various areas within the Gaza Strip. This move is part of preparations for the future deployment of a multinational force in the territory. Despite repeated political statements asserting that the IDF will not retreat from the "yellow line" until Hamas is disarmed, security officials are already planning for scenarios involving partial pullbacks concurrent with the entry of the international force, according to Channel 12 news.

The discussions come amid increasing American pressure to advance this plan, although Israel has yet to define clearly what constitutes Hamas's disarmament. Security sources express concern that the multinational force intended to replace the IDF will be too small to handle the security challenges on the ground. One official stated, "The number of soldiers is simply insufficient. It's a handful of troops, and they are trying to build castles on this basis. This is very worrying. The Americans are leaving us with few options but are putting us in a difficult position in Gaza."

Morocco is expected to contribute the largest contingent, approximately 500 soldiers, with Uganda also in talks to send a similar number. Other countries are anticipated to provide only a few dozen troops each. This is significantly less than the original plan, which envisioned thousands of soldiers. The defense establishment doubts such a force can effectively fulfill a significant role in Gaza or replace the IDF in areas from which it withdraws.

Estimates suggest that even if the plan is approved, the foreign troops will not enter Gaza within the next month and a half. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the report.