Tel Aviv:US military preparations are reportedly underway near the Gaza Strip border in anticipation of deploying an international stabilization force within the Palestinian enclave, as reported by Israeli media.

According to Anadolu Agency €“ English, the Israeli news site Walla revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has granted the US approval for an initial deployment of approximately 250 foreign troops. This development marks the first time a specific number of foreign military personnel has been discussed, following previous statements by Israel about allowing foreign troops into Gaza.

Some countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda, and Albania, have shown willingness to participate in the deployment, with Kazakhstan offering medical and logistical support and Kosovo proposing to assist in security and policing missions. Despite these plans emerging months ago, the force has not yet entered Gaza due to potential Israeli obstacles.

Concerns from the Israeli military establishment revolve around the US's potential policy changes toward Israel and the rapid deployment timeline of the force within Gaza. These concerns have intensified following the Democratic Party's control of Congress after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, which could lead to a tougher US stance toward Israel.

US troops and officers from other countries have been seen near the Gaza border, and an Israeli military base in the south has been converted into a secured US facility. The US has transferred military vehicles and equipment, including trucks and armored carriers, to a designated base within the Israeli army's Southern Brigade's area of responsibility.

Additionally, work on a UAE-backed project to establish a city in Rafah, southern Gaza, is progressing, with security screenings planned for Palestinians entering the area. The international force is expected to secure this city during the initial phase of the project, which is treated as a pilot initiative amid Israeli opposition to Gaza's reconstruction without disarming Hamas.