Senior Israeli officials say the Trump administration is struggling to establish the international force planned to deploy in Gaza in the coming weeks as part of the American peace plan.
So far, the force has not been formed, its mission and deployment zones undefined, though Washington has begun talks with Western, Arab, and Israeli partners to accelerate the process. The US Central Command is drafting a plan expected to include Palestinian police units and will present it soon.
Israel strongly opposes a force created through a UN Security Council resolution, rejecting any model similar to UNIFIL in Lebanon or UNDOF in the Golan Heights. It also objects to Turkey and Qatar’s participation, while Egypt, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan have shown willingness to join, and Jordan has declined.
The issue will top the agenda during Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s visit to Washington, where he will meet senior US officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to agree on a formula that limits the UN’s authority.
