Israeli cabinet approves entry of int'l stabilization force into Gaza

Ben-Gvir says Israel need not proceed as Hamas has failed to meet its commitments

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Xinhua July 26, 2026 Less than a minute read

Benjamin Netanyahu (center) at a cabinet meeting at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Tel Aviv, December 24, 2023. FILE PHOTO: AFP

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The Israeli security cabinet on Sunday approved the entry of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) into Gaza, despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to Israeli media reports.

Ben-Gvir argued that Hamas has failed to meet its commitments, making Israel not obligated to proceed, Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported.

A senior Israeli official said the military would continue to hold the "yellow line" marking areas under Israeli control in Gaza and would not withdraw unless Hamas disarms, Kan reported.

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The ISF would receive legal immunity under Israeli law and operate in coordination with the Israeli military outside its control zones, the official added.

The security cabinet also decided that only countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel and not acting against it in international forums could participate in the ISF.

Kan reported last week that construction of the ISF's base near southern Gaza's Rafah had been approved, and that about 30 Moroccan officers had toured the planned deployment area.

The ISF was created under a Gaza peace deal and endorsed by the UN Security Council in November last year.