Israel’s approval of limited Gaza force a calculated manoeuvre, experts say

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a limited pilot deployment of an International Stabilization Force in a small area of southern Gaza, months after the UN Security Council backed a wider framework intended to end the war and create a transition process. Citing Israeli media, the report said about 200 personnel from countries including Morocco and Uganda would be sent to a designated test zone in Rafah, rather than the larger deployment previously discussed.

The force is tied to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan and would operate in coordination with the Israeli military, according to the report. Israeli outlets cited by Al Jazeera said Israel intends to keep control of the “Yellow Line,” a boundary that leaves much of Gaza under Israeli control, and to make any broader withdrawal conditional on Hamas disarming. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reported as the only cabinet member to oppose the measure.

Analysts quoted by Al Jazeera characterized the move as a diplomatic manoeuvre before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, arguing it gives Israel a limited step to present to the United States while avoiding a full withdrawal. They also said the plan could deepen Gaza’s fragmentation by confining international forces and a proposed Palestinian technocratic administration to a restricted area.

The report said Hamas has announced it would dissolve its Gaza government and transfer authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. However, the committee has said it would take responsibility only after UN Security Council approval for the force and a full Israeli military withdrawal.