ByWALLA

JULY 29, 2026 10:29

Updated: JULY 29, 2026 11:03

Israel's defense establishment has raised alarms that an incoming international stabilization force in Gaza could hamper IDF operational flexibility and give Hamas room to rebuild, following the security cabinet's approval of legal immunity for the force before its entry into targeted zones of the territory on Sunday.

Political and security sources indicate the United States is urging Israel to begin Gaza reconstruction prior to complete demilitarization and the disarmament of Hamas. Officials warn that the force's arrival may curb the IDF's offensive options, reduce its effectiveness against militant cells, and ultimately bolster Hamas.

The concerns surfaced after the cabinet endorsed immunity for the International Stabilization Force ahead of its scheduled deployment to selected parts of Gaza.

A political source noted that the initial approval aligns with US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan that secured the release of all hostages. The source added that after clearing the entry of roughly 200 personnel from allied nations such as Uganda and Morocco, Israel maintains its position that the IDF must stay along the Yellow Line until Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is fully demilitarized.

Cabinet Supports Gaza Force While Security Officials Warn of Risks

Yet Walla has learned that political and security figures requested the Americans delay the next stage of the plan to protect IDF gains. The request was turned down, with officials told the process would proceed according to Trump's directives.

Security officials contend that inserting the force now would normalize Hamas, permit the group to install new leaders, restore its military capabilities, regain control, and tighten its grip on Palestinian society via threats and force.

They stress that only the IDF can eliminate weapons from Gaza and dismantle Hamas military structures, not a multinational contingent.

Officials also question the viability of a terrorism-free Green City in Rafah, predicting Hamas will continue to pressure residents, influence events covertly, and misuse the project for smuggling arms from Egypt and building fresh militant sites.

Military sources involved in the process stated that each advance toward multinational deployment blocks Israel from finishing demilitarization and runs counter to an American pledge that Hamas would be disarmed before rebuilding starts.

In reality, the opposite is occurring, the officials said.

They added that welcoming troops from nations friendly to Israel would heighten political and operational caution around any future IDF activity, erode initiative, and further limit strikes against militant groups.

At the same time, the advocacy group Future for the Gaza Envelope condemned the cabinet move and called for a direct government response on whether the step would enhance safety for border community residents.

If the answer is not clear and affirmative, the process should halt, the organization said.

The group insisted it would resist rebuilding Gaza before the Hamas threat is eliminated and would reject any return to pre-October 7 security conditions.

Residents of the border region have already suffered the maximum cost from failed security approaches and will not tolerate further choices based on hope alone, it added.

Lessons from October 7 must shape every upcoming decision, the group emphasized.

Any reconstruction, diplomatic deal, or political move must start only after Hamas no longer poses a military or governing danger. It is impossible to address the day after without certainty that yesterday's threat has been removed, it said.

The organization further required that any future framework include robust monitoring to ensure Israel's security, freedom of action, real-time intelligence, and prompt detection of renewed militant activity.