Israeli government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian, stated on Sunday that there would not be any involvement for Turkish soldiers in Gaza as part of the multinational force set to replace Israeli forces, according to Reuters.
“There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,” Bedrosian told reporters.
As part of the US President Donald Trump’s peace plan to end the two-year war, Gaza will be led by temporary International Stabilization Force that will maintain the security of the Palestinian enclave instead of Israel.
The force has not yet been formed, while several countries demand for it to be operated under a United Nations Security Council mandate.
In October, Trump’s Vice President JD Vance said that Turkey would play a “constructive role” in Gaza. However, Washington would never force anything on Israel when it comes to the presence of foreign troops “on their soil.”
Israeli Turkish Relations
Tensions between Israel and Turkey have been rising since the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023 with Erdogan accusing Israel of committing a genocide in Gaza.
Notably, Ankara has revealed its intention to take part in the reconstruction plan of Gaza by joining a “task force” overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire. In this context, Turkey said that its armed forces are willing to participate in either a military or civilian capacity as required.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently signaled his opposition to any involvement of Turkish security forces in the Palestinian enclave.
Moreover, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that the only troops that would take part in securing Gaza are those who were “at least fair” to Israel.
Therefore, he ruled out Turkey from the mission over its “hostile statements” and “diplomatic and economic measures” against Israel.
“It is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces enter (the) Gaza Strip, and we will not agree to that,” Saar added.
Related Topics:
Hamas ‘Determined’ to Uphold Gaza Truce: Erdogan
Turkish Rescue Team Awaits Israel’s Green Light to Enter Gaza
Jordan, Germany Demand UN Mandate for International Force in Gaza
