Israel’s Security Cabinet has formally approved the deployment of the Board of Peace’s International Stabilisation Force (ISF) within Gaza. This decision aligns with the broader plan presented by US President Donald Trump, which received endorsement from the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025. The ISF represents one of four distinct entities tasked with administering the enclave under the framework of the Trump plan.
According to reports from the Israel Hayom newspaper, the Cabinet’s decision was not unanimous. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir cast a vote against the proposal, standing in opposition to the Cabinet majority. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar defended the move during the meeting, characterizing it as an international initiative and stating that while success is not guaranteed, Israel should not be the party responsible for derailing the effort. Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, indicated that this approval effectively authorizes the establishment of a headquarters for the force near the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Nickolay Mladenov, the lead envoy for the Board of Peace, welcomed the development via a statement on X. He described the ISF as a critical component of the agreed-upon framework for stabilizing and demilitarizing Gaza, intended to facilitate a transition to an effective Palestinian transitional administration under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Mladenov urged a focus on advancing the 20-point plan, including the roadmap established by mediators.
Operational details remain a point of contention. Channel 12 reported, citing an unnamed political source, that the Security Cabinet authorized the entry of international forces into areas outside the so-called “Yellow Line.” This boundary, established in the October 2025 ceasefire, is marked by yellow concrete blocks and separates areas of Israeli withdrawal from those still under occupation, which account for approximately 70 percent of Gaza. The source asserted that Israel retains the authority to approve which nations may contribute forces. Another source cited by Yedioth Ahronoth emphasized that Tel Aviv insists on maintaining control over the “Yellow Line” area until Hamas is disarmed and noted that the entry of any international force requires separate approval from the prime minister and the defense and foreign ministers.
Hamas has criticized the continued demands for its disarmament, arguing that they bypass Israel’s own obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. While Hamas asserts it fulfilled its initial requirements by releasing captives, it claims Israel has continued military operations and restricted humanitarian aid. Although the second phase of the agreement calls for broader Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction alongside the disarmament of Palestinian factions, Israel maintains that disarmament must be the priority. Under the Trump plan, the international force is intended to train and support Palestinian police, consult with Egypt and Jordan, and work with Israel to secure borders and facilitate the flow of goods.
