Ankara: Israel's Security Cabinet approved on Sunday the deployment of the Board of Peace's International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip under US President Donald Trump's plan, according to Israeli media. The ISF is one of four bodies established to administer Gaza under Trump's plan, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 on Nov. 17, 2025.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Cabinet's decision allows for the entry of a multinational force affiliated with the Board of Peace into the Gaza Strip. The Israel Hayom newspaper reported National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the decision, voting against the Cabinet majority. Ben-Gvir argued that Hamas has not honored its commitment to demilitarize Gaza and disarm, stating that the solution in Gaza should be to 'encourage migration.'
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to Ben-Gvir's opposition by emphasizing the international nature of the plan, suggesting that while success is not guaranteed, Israel should not impede the process. Israel's public broadcaster KAN noted that the Cabinet approval paves the way to establish a headquarters for the ISF near the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
In a statement on the US social media company X, Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's lead envoy for Gaza, welcomed Israel's steps to facilitate the ISF deployment under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Mladenov described it as a crucial element of the framework for stabilizing and demilitarizing Gaza and transitioning to an effective Palestinian transitional administration.
Israel's Channel 12, citing an unnamed Israeli political source, stated that the Security Cabinet approved the entry of the Board of Peace and international forces into Gaza in coordination with the Israeli army, outside the 'Yellow Line.' This line, marked by yellow concrete blocks, separates areas from which the Israeli army has withdrawn from those it still occupies, which make up about 70% of Gaza.
An unnamed political source told Yedioth Ahronoth that Israel insists on maintaining control over the 'Yellow Line' area unless Hamas and the Gaza Strip are disarmed. The source claimed that any entry of international forces into Gaza requires separate approval from the prime minister and the defense and foreign ministers.
The current international contingent consists of approximately 200 personnel from countries like Uganda and Morocco, though neither country has commented on the report. Hamas argues that demands for its disarmament without Israel fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement contradict Trump's plan. Despite Hamas fulfilling its first-phase obligations, Israel has continued attacks and restricted humanitarian access.
Trump's plan involves the US working with Arab and international partners to deploy a temporary international stabilization force in Gaza. This force would train and support Palestinian police, consult with Egypt and Jordan on security, and work with Israel and Egypt to secure borders and facilitate the flow of goods.