Smotrich, Strock push Netanyahu to bar ISF from operating in Gaza before Hamas disarmament

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent the International Stabilization Force (ISF) from operating in Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed and the territory is fully demilitarized. The ministers expressed concern over the accelerated preparations for the ISF's deployment, warning against the situation where a large-scale force could enter Gaza despite incomplete demilitarization.

They pointed to a camp in the Life Support Area Endurance, which has residential infrastructure for 1,500 foreign soldiers, 20 large tents, about 100 temporary structures, and a fleet of military vehicles for 1,000 soldiers. The camp is expected to house around 5,000 soldiers once completed, with ongoing preparations slated to be finished within a few weeks.

Smotrich and Strock claimed the scale and objectives of the ISF's preparations were greater than what was disclosed to the cabinet, and that Hamas was not showing any inclination to disarm or demilitarize. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the ministers cautioned that allowing such a massive force into Gaza before Hamas complies would put Israel under intense pressure.

Consequently, they called for the cabinet to approve a resolution tomorrow that would bar the entry of the ISF and other multinational forces into Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza is fully demilitarized.