Israel Rejects Turkey Role: Netanyahu Asserts Veto Over Gaza Force Composition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asserting a firm veto over the future Gaza peacekeeping force, starting with a clear rejection of any role for Turkey. Relations between the two countries frayed during the war, and Netanyahu is now formalizing his opposition.
On Sunday, the premier said Israel will have the final say on all participating nations. “Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” he said, claiming the US supported this.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting the region, did not mention Turkey but said the force must be composed of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with.” He also confirmed that Hamas would be excluded from Gaza’s future leadership.
The international force, which might include Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf states, is being discussed in Qatar, with the US exploring a UN resolution to authorize it.
This diplomatic maneuvering is occurring as the Trump-brokered truce shows cracks. Hamas remains armed, and an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp was called a “clear violation” by the group. Furthermore, a slow return of hostage remains has led to a public warning from Donald Trump.