The United States is supporting Israel’s right to veto participants in a Gaza peacekeeping force, a power Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is already using to signal a block against Turkey.
Netanyahu stated Sunday that “Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” a position he said was “acceptable to the United States.” This comes as relations with Turkey remain frozen.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, confirmed the force must be “countries that Israel’s comfortable with.” He also stated that Gaza’s future governance must be decided “excluding Hamas,” which remains armed.
The US, which will not send troops, is exploring a UN resolution to authorize the force, with talks scheduled in Qatar. Potential contributors include Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab nations.
The Trump-brokered truce is facing severe tests. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp was condemned by Hamas as a “clear violation.” Furthermore, a slow exchange of remains has prompted Donald Trump to warn Hamas to act faster.