Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is drawing a red line on a future Gaza peacekeeping force, signaling strong opposition to any Turkish involvement. This move highlights the deep rift between the two nations, which worsened during the recent war after sharp criticism from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
Netanyahu stated unequivocally on Sunday that Israel will decide which foreign troops are allowed into the territory. “Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” he said, claiming the US supports this condition.
US Secretary ofState Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, affirmed that the international force must be agreeable to Israel, though he did not comment specifically on Turkey. Rubio also stressed that Hamas would be excluded from Gaza’s future governance.
This declaration comes as the Donald Trump-brokered truce faces serious challenges. Hamas has not disarmed, and the ceasefire was rocked by an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp. Hamas condemned the strike as a “clear violation,” while Israel said it targeted militants.
The fragile peace is further strained by a dispute over the exchange of remains. Hamas has returned 18 Israeli hostage remains, while Israel has returned 195 Palestinian bodies. Trump warned Hamas on Truth Social to “return more bodies” quickly, though Hamas blames recovery delays on the extensive destruction.