The Security Cabinet approved on Sunday the principal approval for the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into the Gaza Strip, which was included in President Trump’s 20-point plan.

This comes following Cabinet decisions earlier on Sunday to approve granting immunity to the ISF and launching the Board of Peace (BoP)’s pilot phase for Gaza’s restoration of basic services and humanitarian assistance and shelters in areas outside Hamas control.

The State of Israel insists on the principle that the IDF will continue to hold the Yellow Line, and there will be no withdrawal of any kind as long as Hamas has not been fully disarmed and the Gaza Strip has not been completely demilitarized.

Today, the Cabinet approved granting immunity under the “Immunities for International Organizations” law to the ISF, which will operate in full coordination with the IDF in areas beyond the Yellow Line that are not under Israeli military control.

In practice, the entry of any ISF forces will require specific approval from the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, and the Foreign Minister.

The Cabinet determined that Israel will have the authority to approve which countries may send forces. These will only be countries with which Israel has peace agreements and that are not acting against the State of Israel or its officials in the international arena.

At this stage, the force is expected to comprise only about 200 representatives from friendly countries, such as Uganda and Morocco.

BoP pilot phase expected to start in Rafah area

The BoP’s pilot phase for Gaza’s reconstruction is expected to begin in Rafah. The plan involves temporary structures that will be built to provide housing for Gaza residents. Those who wish to live there will reportedly undergo strict screening procedures to ensure that they are not affiliated with Hamas.

The goal is to begin the pilot project in the coming weeks. If it proves successful, it will be expanded to additional areas.

Last week, BoP CEO Nickolay Mladenov and US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Aryeh Lightstone met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials to brief them on the progress of the Cairo talks and the next steps planned by the BoP.

A BoP official told the Post that “these were productive and constructive meetings.”

Two Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that this was likely to be voted on.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich voted in favor of the decision, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against.

Opposition to the decision was led by National Missions Minister Orit Strock. “If this new Gaza plan had been presented by the former IDF chief, there would have been an uproar,” said Strock.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Strock’s criticism of the decision, saying that the BoP plan is an “international plan.”

“We don’t need to be the ones implementing it,” said Sa’ar.

Israel to allow Gaza ‘technocratic government’ into Strip

The ISF vote also allows the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to enter at least part of the Gaza Strip.

The ISF will include forces from Morocco, Albania, and Kazakhstan’s militaries, the Post confirmed.

In early July, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported that an Israeli delegation, including senior IDF officers, held “strategic” discussions with senior Egyptian military officers in Cairo.

Sources familiar with the details said the meetings were part of a “strategic dialogue” focusing on the two countries’ common interests in the region. 

The discussions included attempts to advance to the next stage of reconstruction in Gaza in accordance with Trump’s Gaza plan, all the while Hamas refused to disarm. 

The report noted that the Egyptians are more hawkish toward Hamas, as opposed to Turkey and the Qataris, and are willing to receive their surrendered weapons. 

This post was originally published on here.