As nations like Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab countries are being floated as potential contributors to a Gaza peacekeeping force, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to mute their role by demanding a full veto. He declared Sunday that Israel will decide which forces are “unacceptable.”
This assertion of control comes days after a Trump-brokered truce and as Hamas refuses to disarm. Netanyahu claimed the US supports his veto power.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, confirmed this, stating the force must be “countries that Israel’s comfortable with.” He also stressed that Hamas must be excluded from power.
Netanyahu has already signaled this veto would be used to block Turkey.
The truce is unstable. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp was called a “clear violation” by Hamas. Moreover, the slow exchange of remains has prompted a warning from Trump.