Israel has approved the legal framework for an international security force to deploy in Gaza as part of President Donald Trump's proposed ceasefire and postwar plan, according to an Israeli official. The announcement comes one day before Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu travels to Washington for meetings with the president.
Netanyahu's Security Cabinet voted Sunday to authorize the legal mechanism required for the multinational force deployment. Netanyahu is scheduled to depart for the United States on Monday and is expected to meet with President Trump on Tuesday.
The mission, known as the International Stabilization Force, will comprise approximately 200 personnel from what were described as "friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco." The troops will operate only in areas outside direct Israeli control, with each participating country requiring individual Israeli approval before deployment to Gaza.
The official did not specify when the force would begin operations in the enclave.
Gaza remains largely devastated following nearly two years of conflict that began after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Following a ceasefire agreement reached in October, President Trump unveiled a broader peace proposal for Gaza that included a significant increase in humanitarian assistance, civilian Palestinian governance, Hamas disarmament, and gradual Israeli force withdrawal. Implementation has largely stalled, with the proposed civilian governing body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, yet to establish a presence in the territory.
Israel currently controls roughly 64% of Gaza, while nearly all of the enclave's approximately two million residents remain concentrated in a narrow coastal area still controlled by Hamas, many living in temporary tents or damaged buildings.
Hamas has continued to reject disarmament demands, while Israel has announced plans to increase its control to approximately 70% of Gaza as military operations continue.
Trump's proposal also calls for a Board of Peace to serve as the international body overseeing implementation, including supervision of the International Stabilization Force.
Nickolay Mladenov, President Trump's envoy to Gaza for the Board of Peace, praised Israel's decision, writing on X: "It is a critical part of the agreed framework for stabilizing Gaza, supporting demilitarization, and enabling the transition to effective Palestinian transitional administration under the @NCAG."