Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant proposed creating a multinational security force with the participation of Arab states to ensure order in the Gaza Strip.
He made this suggestion during his recent visit to Washington, Axios reported, citing Israeli officials.
According to them, the international contingent may remain in the enclave during the "transitional period," ensuring law and order, escorting humanitarian convoys, securing the temporary port that the US will build for the delivery of humanitarian aid as well creating an alternative to the Hamas rule in the enclave.
"Such a move will build a governing body in the enclave that is not Hamas and will address Israel`s growing problem with the US when it comes to the humanitarian situation in Gaza," a senior Israel official told the news outlet.
Gallant discussed the proposal with several US officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Axios noted that Gallant asked for US political and material support for such an initiative but not for its direct involvement, such as the deployment of US troops.
A senior US official told Axios that such an idea is being considered but is unlikely to be implemented.
He explained that "it would require an official invitation from the Palestinian Authority to send Arab forces to Gaza and come in the political context of a two-state solution" which may be met with resistance on the part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that Egypt was "the main country considering the idea."
An Arab official from one of the countries mentioned during the Washington talks, told the news outlet that Israel seemed to have misinterpreted the Arab position. He noted that Arab countries are not ready to send troops to secure humanitarian aid convoys at the moment, but might provide peacekeeping forces once combat in the Gaza Strip ceases. The Arab official told Axios that in this case, the US should be in charge of the initiative.
According to the Israeli officials, follow-up talks will be held on the matter between Israel, the US and potential Arab participants.
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