According to the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected to visit Washington next week to discuss a draft international resolution aimed at deploying foreign forces in the Gaza Strip.
The paper reported that Dermer will meet with senior U.S. officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both serving as envoys for President Donald Trump, to finalise the draft resolution before it is presented to the United Nations Security Council.
Israel Seeks International Legitimacy Without UN Oversight
Quoting Israeli officials, the newspaper noted that “the goal of this resolution is to secure international authorization — but without giving the United Nations a central operational role.”
The main point of contention revolves around the scope of the mandate and the degree of international support such a force would receive.
Most countries, according to Yedioth Ahronoth, insist on a Security Council resolution before deployment, though disagreement remains over whether the mission should fall under Chapter VI or Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
- Chapter VI concerns the peaceful resolution of disputes threatening international peace and security.
- Chapter VII, however, authorizes coercive measures, including military action.
A Western diplomat involved in the discussions told the paper that “Chapter VII would be ideal if consensus could be reached, but Israel has expressed its opposition to it.”
Potential Structure and Obstacles to the “International Stabilisation Force”
The proposed international decision could take one of two forms — either a simple, short resolution to enable rapid deployment, or a more detailed and binding text outlining responsibilities, rules of engagement, and legal obligations.
Behind the scenes, however, the United States is facing potential resistance from Russia and China, both of whom may use their veto power to block or delay the initiative.
Diplomatic sources familiar with the talks revealed that the planned International Stabilisation Force (ISF) would consist solely of troops from Arab and Islamic countries, with no Western soldiers expected to participate — a point meant to reduce local hostility and perceptions of foreign occupation.
A Western diplomat described the U.S.-led initiative as “politically and technically complex,” reflecting the deep divisions within the international community regarding post-war control over Gaza.
Command Centre Planned Inside Israel
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the command and coordination centre for the proposed force would be based at the U.S. Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel.
Each participating country would send representatives to the headquarters, effectively placing the entire coordination process under U.S. and Israeli oversight.
The proposed force would reportedly supervise humanitarian aid entry, manage security coordination, and oversee the early stages of Gaza’s reconstruction — with one of its main objectives being the disarmament of Gaza.
Gaza’s “Phase Two” Plan: Disarmament and Withdrawal
Under the framework discussed, Phase Two of the so-called “Gaza Agreement” — which has yet to be formally negotiated — would involve:
- Deployment of an international peacekeeping force,
- Withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip, and
- Disarmament of Hamas and other resistance factions.
However, Hamas has repeatedly affirmed that its weapons are not up for negotiation, asserting that disarmament is only possible when the occupation and aggression end.
The movement maintains that armed resistance remains a legitimate right under occupation — a stance deeply rooted in both international law and Islamic principles of self-defence.
Between Occupation and Control: A Rebranded Occupation?
Critics argue that this proposed “international force” is not a neutral peacekeeping mission, but rather a rebranded form of control, allowing Israel and its Western allies to outsource the occupation under an international label.
By placing command structures inside Israel and focusing on Gaza’s disarmament rather than its liberation or reconstruction, the plan appears designed to entrench the siege rather than end it.
For many in the Arab and Islamic world, this initiative is yet another attempt to strip Palestinians of sovereignty while ensuring Israel’s military dominance and impunity — all under the guise of “international stability.”
