ISLAMABAD: In a significant development that could complicate internationalefforts to stabilise Gaza, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, hasexplicitly stated that Israel is uncomfortable with the Pakistan Armyparticipating in the proposed International Stabilisation Force. Speakingin an exclusive interview with NDTV on January 9, 2026, Azar firmlyrejected the idea, emphasising that Israel would only cooperate withnations it fully trusts. This comes amid reports of United Statesapproaches to several countries, including Pakistan, for troopcontributions to the force under President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
When directly asked if Israel would accept Pakistani military involvementin Gaza, Azar responded with a unequivocal “no”. He stressed thatdiplomatic and security cooperation requires established trust and formalrelations, which do not exist between Israel and Pakistan. This positionunderscores Israel’s insistence on the complete dismantling of Hamas beforeany stabilisation or reconstruction efforts can proceed effectively.
The proposed International Stabilisation Force forms a key component of theUS-backed comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, endorsed by theUnited Nations Security Council in late 2025. The plan envisions amultinational deployment of up to 20,000 troops to secure the territory,protect civilians, and support transitional governance following theceasefire that began in October 2025. Several Muslim-majority countries,including Pakistan, attended planning conferences hosted by the US CentralCommand in Qatar during December 2025 to discuss the force’s mandate andoperational framework.
Pakistan has maintained a cautious stance on participation, with officialsemphasising that no final commitment has been made and that any decisionwould involve consultations with parliament and other institutions.Diplomatic sources indicate that fresh talks on the force’s structure areexpected soon in a Middle Eastern capital, where Muslim nations continue toseek clarity on objectives, particularly regarding the demilitarisation ofnon-state armed groups like Hamas. Pakistan’s potential contribution hasbeen described by US officials as potentially key to the initiative’ssuccess.
Azar’s comments also reflect broader Israeli priorities, including theretrieval of all remaining hostages and the destruction of Hamas’s militaryand political infrastructure. He warned that without Hamas’s dismantling,no meaningful progress toward stabilisation is possible, rendering theconcept of an international force ineffective if participating nations areunwilling to confront the group. Reports suggest several countries haveprivately expressed reluctance to engage in operations that might involvedirect action against Hamas remnants.
The absence of diplomatic ties between Israel and Pakistan, coupled withhistorical tensions, adds another layer to the controversy. Israel haspreviously opposed the inclusion of certain nations in regional securityarrangements, as seen with its stance against Turkish forces in earlierproposals. Azar’s interview signals that Pakistan’s involvement would facesimilar veto from Jerusalem, potentially influencing how the United Statesand other stakeholders shape the force’s composition in upcomingnegotiations.
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic effortsto implement the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, which includesestablishing a Board of Peace for interim administration. While Arab andMuslim countries have shown varying levels of support, Israel’s securityconcerns remain paramount in determining acceptable partners. Theambassador expressed confidence in regional monitoring of threats linked toPakistan-based groups, aligning with shared interests in counteringterrorism.
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Analysts note that Israel’s rejection could prompt adjustments in themultinational force’s planning, possibly favouring contributions fromnations with established relations with Tel Aviv. As discussions continue,the episode illustrates the intricate interplay of trust, diplomacy, andsecurity imperatives in post-conflict Gaza arrangements. Pakistan’s finalposition on the ISF remains pending, with emphasis on a clear mandate thatprioritises humanitarian protection and civilian safety.
The international community watches closely as these dynamics unfold, withimplications for broader Middle East stability and the viability ofmultilateral peacekeeping in conflict zones. Israel’s firm stancereinforces its red lines, ensuring that any deployed force aligns with itscore objectives of eliminating threats from Hamas and preventing futureattacks.
Source:https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/can-only-work-with-states-we-trust-israel-rejects-pakistan-army-role-in-gaza-10564950
Tags: Israel, Pakistan, Gaza, Hamas, Reuven Azar, InternationalStabilisation Force, Donald Trumpogimageimage-name
