Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Sunday that the United States fully supports Israel’s demand to veto any country it finds “unacceptable” for a planned Gaza peacekeeping force. This comes as the region operates under a shaky, Trump-brokered truce.
“This is, of course, acceptable to the United States as well,” Netanyahu said. This assertion of control is aimed at shaping Gaza’s future, particularly as Hamas refuses to disarm.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Israel, seemed to confirm this, stating the force must be agreeable to Israel and that Hamas must be excluded from governance. The US will not send its own troops but is exploring a UN resolution to authorize the force.
Netanyahu has already signaled this veto would be used to block Turkish participation, following President Erdogan’s sharp criticism of Israel.
The ceasefire is facing multiple tests. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp drew condemnation from Hamas as a “clear violation.” Furthermore, a dispute over the slow return of hostage remains has prompted a public warning from Donald Trump.