The Israeli security cabinet approved on July 26, 2026, a proposal to permit an international security force to operate in parts of Gaza that are not under Israeli control. This decision marks a key step in implementing a US-backed plan for Gaza that was originally proposed in October 2025, according to Reuters. The approval signals a potential shift in the long-standing Israeli policy of maintaining direct military control over access to Gaza.
What the Approval Entails
The security cabinet's decision allows for the deployment of an International Security Force (ISF) in areas of Gaza that Israel does not directly administer. These zones include territory outside the buffer zones and border crossings currently patrolled by Israeli forces. The ISF is envisioned as a multinational contingent responsible for maintaining security and preventing the smuggling of weapons and materials that could be used for military purposes by militant groups. The force would operate under a mandate defined by the US-brokered plan and would coordinate with both Israeli authorities and Palestinian entities.
The approval is not a blanket endorsement but rather a conditional go-ahead that sets parameters for the force's composition, rules of engagement, and duration. Israeli officials have stressed that the ISF will not undermine Israel's security prerogatives, including the right to conduct independent operations if deemed necessary. The cabinet's vote was reportedly unanimous, reflecting a broad consensus within the government on the need to explore alternatives to direct occupation while ensuring stability.
Background: The US-Backed Plan
The October 2025 plan, put forward by the United States, calls for a phased approach to stabilize Gaza and eventually pave the way for a two-state solution. A central component is the introduction of an international presence to fill the security vacuum during a transitional period. The plan includes provisions for economic reconstruction, humanitarian aid delivery, and the eventual transfer of governance to a reformed Palestinian Authority. The Israeli security cabinet's approval is a critical step toward realizing the first phase, which focuses on security arrangements in areas where Israeli forces have limited control.
According to Reuters, the plan has been under discussion among key stakeholders, including Egypt, Jordan, and European nations, which have expressed interest in contributing to the force. The United States has committed logistical support and intelligence sharing, but has not offered to send its own troops. The approval by Israel is seen as a prerequisite for any international deployment, as Israel retains de facto veto power over access to Gaza via its control of borders and airspace.
Implications for Gaza and the Region
The decision could have far-reaching consequences for the Gaza Strip, which has been under a tight blockade since 2007. If implemented, the ISF would operate in areas such as the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border and parts of the northern Gaza Strip that have been flashpoints for rocket attacks and smuggling tunnels. The force's mandate is expected to include preventing the rearming of militant groups and overseeing the demilitarization of designated zones.
Palestinian reactions have been mixed. Some factions have cautiously welcomed the prospect of reduced Israeli military presence, while others view the international force as a new form of occupation. The Palestinian Authority has stated that it must be consulted on the force's composition and duties. Meanwhile, militant groups have warned that they will resist any foreign presence that infringes on Palestinian sovereignty.
The approval also carries implications for Israeli domestic politics. The security cabinet's decision reflects a desire to reduce the burden on Israeli troops while maintaining strategic control. Critics within Israel argue that the plan gives legitimacy to international oversight of security matters, potentially compromising Israel's ability to act swiftly. Supporters counter that it is a pragmatic step to avoid a permanent occupation and to stabilize the region.
Next Steps
Following the cabinet's approval, Israeli officials are expected to engage in detailed negotiations with the US and other potential contributing nations to finalize the force's structure. A timeline for deployment has not been set, but sources indicate that a preliminary framework could be agreed upon within weeks. The plan also requires approval from the larger Israeli security establishment, including the military and intelligence agencies, as well as coordination with Egypt, which controls the Rafah crossing.
The international community has welcomed the move, with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process calling it "a positive step toward de-escalation." However, many analysts caution that significant hurdles remain, including the lack of a comprehensive cease-fire agreement and the absence of a clear political horizon for the Palestinian population.
In summary, the Israeli security cabinet's approval of an international security force for Gaza areas beyond its control is a pivotal development in the long-stalled efforts to reshape the Gaza Strip's security landscape. The decision, anchored in the October 2025 US-backed plan, opens the door for a new phase of international engagement, though its success will depend on meticulous implementation and the cooperation of all parties involved.
