Foreign military officers accompanied by US troops have been spotted near the Gaza Strip border over the past two weeks, as preparations continue for the deployment of a multinational force deeper into the enclave, security officials confirmed to Walla on Monday.
The Israeli government has authorized the US to deploy an initial multinational force of approximately 250 foreign troops.
Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda, and Albania have so far expressed willingness to participate in the force. Kazakhstan has offered medical and logistical assistance, while Kosovo has proposed supporting security and policing operations.
Israel concerned over Turkish involvement and rapid deployment of multinational force
One of the factors delaying the formation of the multinational force is pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Washington to allow Turkey to participate in operations in Gaza, as part of Ankara's efforts to expand its regional influence, according to Walla.
Officials in Jerusalem and the Israeli defense establishment strongly oppose Turkish involvement, citing Ankara's policies toward Israel, Erdogan's statements, and Turkey's hosting of Hamas's terrorist headquarters.
According to Israeli assessments, Hamas's headquarters in Turkey directed a terrorist attack near Hebron more than two weeks ago in which two IDF soldiers were killed.
Israeli defense officials are also concerned about Washington's future policies toward Israel and the speed at which the multinational force could enter Gaza.
These concerns come amid fears that senior US administration officials could adopt a more hostile stance toward Israel, particularly following Republican losses in the midterm elections.
"It is not unrealistic that the Gaza Division and Southern Command could wake up one day and discover that there is a foreign multinational force with more soldiers than the number of troops in the Gaza Division. Israel needs to be prepared for several diplomatic and security scenarios with implications on the ground," a security official said.
US military base expands as preparations for new Rafah city advance
Meanwhile, the US military continues to transfer vehicles and equipment to a special base near the Gaza border, within the area of responsibility of the IDF Gaza Division's Southern Brigade.
The equipment includes trucks, armored vehicles designed to transport troops across difficult terrain, medical evacuation vehicles, and armored vehicles equipped with machine guns.
The facility was originally an IDF base before being handed over to the US. Guard towers have since been erected, surveillance and lighting systems installed, and the perimeter fence renovated. Armed US troops now secure the base around the clock.
At the same time, preparations are advancing for the construction of the planned "terror-free Emirati city" on the ruins of part of Rafah, a project approved by the Israeli government.
Engineering work is underway at the site ahead of the planned relocation of tens of thousands of Palestinians, who would undergo strict security screening, including approval from Israeli authorities.
The initial multinational force is expected to secure the area surrounding the new city.
However, security officials said only a limited number of Palestinians would initially be admitted to the compound following security screening, with the project operating as a pilot program.
No timetable has been set for the project's implementation.
The preparations come as Israel's political leadership continues to oppose reconstruction in Gaza without first disarming Hamas and transferring control of the enclave to a third party.