Israel’s Veto: Netanyahu Claims US Backing to Decide Gaza’s International Force

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Sunday that the United States backs his plan to give Israel full veto power over any international peacekeeping force in Gaza. “This is, of course, acceptable to the United States as well,” Netanyahu said, just days after a Trump-brokered truce.
The premier was adamant, stating, “We have made it clear… Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us.” This stance comes as Hamas, which still controls Gaza, refuses to disarm, and the composition of the peace force remains undecided.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, seemed to confirm this arrangement. He said the force must be made of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with” and that Gaza’s future must be determined “excluding Hamas.” The US has, however, ruled out sending its own troops.
Netanyahu has already signaled he would use this veto to block Turkey, whose president was a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations. Other potential candidates for the force include Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab nations.
The ceasefire is facing significant challenges, including an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp. Hamas called it a “clear violation.” Furthermore, a slow exchange of remains has prompted Donald Trump to warn Hamas to “return more bodies” immediately.