Officially... Israel Agrees to Bring in "Peace Council"

The Israeli political-security cabinet approved the introduction of the "Peace Council" and a multinational force into Gaza, in a step described as part of an international move to reorganize conditions in the sector.

The Israeli "Kan" channel explained that "the Cabinet approved the entry of the multinational international force into Gaza, thereby effectively giving the green light to begin establishing a base for the force near Rafah."

According to reports from the meeting's deliberations, the session witnessed a divergence in ministers' positions, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voting against the decision in a minority position, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported the proposal, despite Minister Orit Strock expressing her opposition.

During the discussion, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that "the plan is international and perhaps we will not succeed in implementing it, but we should not be the ones working to thwart it."

For his part, Minister Ze'ev Elkin pointed out that "this approach was decided previously, as it was determined that if the abductees were released, international forces would be brought into the Gaza Strip."

In contrast, Ben-Gvir emphasized his opposition to the decision, saying that "Hamas did not fulfill its commitment to disarm the sector and give up its weapons, and therefore we are not obligated to that either," adding that he fundamentally opposes what he described as the "twenty-point plan," considering that "the solution in Gaza lies in encouraging emigration."

For her part, Settlement Minister Orit Strock considered that "the only positive element in the plan is the international consensus around it," but she warned that "the failure of the parties to fulfill their commitments may turn what is called the 'new Gaza' into a permanent stain of shame."

According to what was reported by the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth," the decision grants the council a special status alongside approval to launch a pilot project aimed at restoring basic services and providing humanitarian aid within the sector, especially in areas outside the control of the "Hamas" movement.

The newspaper explained that the plan is expected to begin in the city of Rafah, and includes establishing temporary housing for Gaza residents, with strict verification procedures on those wishing to reside in these areas, with the aim of verifying their identities and backgrounds, noting that "these areas may be managed by a technocratic Palestinian government, supported by a multinational security force that is being formed, comprising elements from several countries, as part of new security and administrative arrangements within the sector."