Newsletters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to the Gaza Strip in a gesture to U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of their meeting in Washington on Tuesday, Israeli media reported.
The multinational force is part of the administrative framework under Trump's Gaza plan and is intended to help maintain security and stability in the territory after the war.
Israel's Channel 12 reported that White House officials, who had been reluctant to schedule a meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, told Israeli officials that Washington expected a concrete diplomatic step before the talks could move forward.
The broadcaster reported that Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, held consultations with officials close to Trump at the White House.
Following those discussions, Netanyahu brought forward a meeting of Israel's security cabinet, which approved the entry of the ISF into Gaza before he departed for Washington.
An unnamed Israeli official quoted by Channel 12 claimed Netanyahu took the step to "make a gesture" to Trump. The official also alleged that Israel abandoned its previous condition requiring Hamas to be disarmed before allowing the ISF to enter Gaza.
Trump unveiled his 20-point Gaza plan in September 2025 to end the conflict, and it later formed the basis of a ceasefire framework adopted in November.
The plan sought to end the war through a phased process that combines a ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, Hamas' disarmament, post-war governance reforms and Gaza's reconstruction.
The plan envisions replacing Hamas' rule with a temporary Palestinian technocratic administration responsible for restoring public services and overseeing Gaza's transition to long-term governance, while a U.S.-backed Board of Peace would coordinate reconstruction and international funding.
The ISF is a key pillar of the plan, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, supporting Gaza's demilitarization, securing humanitarian operations and helping stabilize the enclave during a phased Israeli withdrawal.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
