Trump's push for Gaza 'stabilisation force' irks Israel

In a statement issued by the American delegation, US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz, who submitted the proposals to the Security Council, called on the UN,  together with Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, to "demonstrate regional support for the resolution to the UN Security Council on Gaza".

"Under President Trump's bold leadership, the United States will again deliver results at the UN—not endless talk. The parties have seized this historic opportunity to finally end decades of bloodshed and make the President's vision of lasting peace in the Middle East a reality," the US mission to the UN stated.

In a post on X, Waltz wrote, "HISTORIC meeting today with the UN Security Council's elected members to present the resolution on Gaza. Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Türkiye joined us—STRONG support for the Gaza resolution and President Trump's BOLD 20-point Peace Plan."

Indications that Israel was not happy with the Trump administration's pre-emptive move at the UN soon emerged after Israeli officials confirmed that they had not received a copy of the US draft resolution beforehand.

A senior official in Israel's National Security Council told the Jerusalem Post that the Netanyahu government— which has already expressed strong reservations about the deployment of a stabilisation force in Gaza—had not been allowed to discuss the US proposal before it was submitted to the UN.

In normal circumstances, the close ties between the US and Israel mean that the Israelis are fully consulted about any initiative that directly affects their national security interests.

Trump's willingness to press ahead with his proposals suggests that he is fully prepared with his peace proposals for Gaza, with or without Netanyahu's approval.

The move certainly appears to have caught the Israeli government off guard, with officials confirming that the country's Security Cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, had not discussed the draft before it was submitted.

 "We did not receive the document; that's not correct at all. Journalists have more information; it doesn't make sense," commented an Israeli cabinet official.

"Since these are the most dramatic issues, we must be involved. The fact that the prime minister thinks the resolution could be shaped in Israel's favour does not mean we can relax and assume it will be in our favour. We are in a make-or-break event. It is 'take it or leave it'".

Growing rift?

The apparent rift between the US and Israel on the issue is one of many difficulties that have arisen over efforts to establish the stabilisation force, which humanitarian agencies say is vital to end the bloodshed in Gaza.

Disputes have already arisen over the nature force's mandate, including the question of US military leadership, its relationship with the Palestinian civil police force and a timetable for Israel's military withdrawal.

Other issues under discussion include a deconfliction mechanism for disputes with Israel, and whether a timetable for Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza is dependent on reaching a disarmament agreement with Hamas.

Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, addressing a meeting in Istanbul earlier this week of Muslim countries that might be prepared to provide forces for the force, said Türkiye was willing to provide a troop contingent— something Israel has rejected because of Türkiye's support for Hamas.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Egypt, often seen as a potential force leader, was absent.

"The countries will shape their decisions based on the mission and authority of the International Stabilisation Force," said Fidan. "I believe that if the mission conflicts with the principles and policies of the countries that will send troops, it will be difficult for these countries to send troops."

The complexities of assembling a stabilisation force for Gaza clearly should not be underestimated. However, despite the difficulties encountered so far, it is clear that Trump is determined to ensure that his peace plan for the enclave ultimately succeeds.