Despite repeated public assurances that Israeli forces will remain in key areas of Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, senior defense officials are reportedly examining plans for a limited IDF withdrawal that would see multinational troops take over positions inside the Strip.

According to a report aired Saturday night by Channel 12 News, Israel’s defense establishment has recently held discussions exploring the possibility of pulling IDF forces out of several locations in Gaza as part of a potential future arrangement.

Under the proposal outlined in the report, Israeli troops would be replaced by a multinational force, even though Hamas has not come close to surrendering its weapons or agreeing to disarm.

Israeli officials have consistently declared that the IDF will not leave the strategic “Yellow Line” before Hamas is disarmed. Nevertheless, the report says security officials are already drafting contingency plans in the event that Israel’s leadership authorizes a withdrawal.

Channel 12 also reported that the precise meaning of Hamas “disarmament” has yet to be clearly defined, while the United States is reportedly increasing pressure on Israel to reduce its military presence in Gaza.

A senior Israeli security official expressed deep concern over the proposal, telling Channel 12, “The number of troops [in the multi-national force] is simply not enough. It’s only a handful of soldiers, and they’re trying to build towers on the basis of that force. It’s very worrying. The Americans aren’t leaving us with many alternatives – but they’re creating a problem for us in Gaza.”

According to the report, Morocco is expected to provide the largest share of the multinational contingent, with roughly 500 troops. Uganda is also said to be considering sending a force of similar size, while the remaining participating countries would each contribute only several dozen personnel—far short of the original vision of deploying several thousand peacekeeping troops.

Israeli defense officials reportedly remain highly skeptical that such a small international force would be capable of maintaining security in Gaza, particularly if it is expected to assume responsibility for areas vacated by the IDF.

The report added that, even if the plan ultimately moves forward, foreign forces are not expected to begin arriving in Gaza for at least another six weeks.