Israeli media: Preparations underway for multinational force to enter Gaza

Israeli security sources told the Hebrew-language Walla news site that preparations are underway for a multinational stabilization force to enter the Gaza Strip, involving US troops and officers from other countries stationed near the enclave's border.

The sources said foreign officers accompanied US forces near the Gaza border over the past two weeks as part of preparations for the force’s deployment deeper inside the territory.

The sources also noted that an Israeli military base in the south of the country has been converted into a heavily fortified American facility, following Israel’s approval for an initial multinational force of around 250 foreign soldiers to enter.

Meanwhile, the Axios website reported, citing two informed sources, that US President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take steps to implement his Gaza peace plan, after it was delayed for months due to Israeli elections.

According to the sources, Trump conveyed this request to Netanyahu during a phone call that included US Senator Marco Rubio, presidential adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Axios added that the US administration wants to move forward with the plan, regardless of whether Netanyahu or opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot forms the next government, as it sees no other reliable alternative.