ISLAMABAD: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categoricallyrejected any deployment of Turkish or Qatari military forces in the GazaStrip, highlighting a notable point of contention with the United Statesadministration under President Donald Trump. In a pointed address to theKnesset on January 19, 2026, Netanyahu declared that Turkish or Qatarisoldiers would not be permitted in Gaza, describing the issue as a specificdisagreement with Washington over postwar governance arrangements.
However, there was no mention of Pakistan which was earlier stated by theIsraeli Ambassador in India, who had rejected Pakistan Army deployment inGaza. It was claimed that only those forces would be deployed in Gaza whichhad established relations with Isarel and Pakistan was not one of them.
The statement comes in the context of the Trump administration’sannouncement of the Gaza Board of Peace and its associated Gaza ExecutiveBoard, aimed at overseeing Phase Two of a ceasefire plan that includesdemilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction following theOctober 2025 ceasefire. This board includes prominent representatives fromTurkey and Qatar, countries long viewed by Israel as supportive of Hamas,raising immediate security concerns in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu’s remarks were delivered during a heated 40-signature debate inthe Knesset plenum, where he emphasized Israel’s unwavering position onsecurity matters. He stated that while Israel is advancing toward Phase Twoof the Trump plan, which focuses on Hamas disarmament and Gazademilitarization, the presence of forces from Ankara or Doha contradictscore Israeli policy objectives. Sources indicate the prime ministerinstructed diplomatic channels to convey these objections directly to USofficials.
The controversy stems from the White House’s unveiling of the GazaExecutive Board, which features Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan andsenior Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi alongside figures such as JaredKushner, Steve Witkoff, and representatives from Egypt and the UAE. Thisstructure is intended to support a Palestinian technocratic committeemanaging daily affairs in Gaza, but Israel has repeatedly opposed any rolefor Turkey and Qatar due to their historical ties to Hamas and criticism ofIsraeli military operations.
Israeli officials have long maintained that Qatar’s financial support toGaza, while mediated through US channels in the past, has indirectlybolstered Hamas infrastructure, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoganhas frequently condemned Israel’s actions in strong terms. The inclusion ofthese nations in advisory or oversight capacities has sparked domesticbacklash, with opposition leader Yair Lapid accusing Netanyahu of allowingideological partners of Hamas into Gaza, endangering national security.
Far-right coalition members, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich,have echoed these concerns, describing the arrangement as rewardingentities that have inspired or hosted Hamas. Smotrich argued that countriessupporting the group should not gain a foothold in Gaza’s future, labelingNetanyahu’s approach as a failure to assert sovereignty. Reports suggestinternal coalition tensions, with some calling for renewed military actionif diplomatic efforts falter.
Reports from multiple sources indicate mixed signals regarding priorcoordination. While some US officials claimed Israel was informed inadvance, others suggested the Trump administration deliberately withhelddetails to avoid immediate friction. A source familiar with discussionstold Israeli media that Netanyahu’s public criticism may partly servedomestic political purposes, though his firm stance on military deploymentremains unequivocal.
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The broader postwar framework envisions a transitional period without Hamasrule, with international support for reconstruction amid Gaza’s extensivedestruction. Over 80 percent of buildings have suffered damage, accordingto United Nations assessments, and the plan seeks to attract investmentwhile ensuring demilitarization. However, Israel’s insistence on excludingcertain foreign militaries underscores persistent distrust rooted inregional alliances.
Netanyahu’s declaration reinforces Israel’s red lines amid evolving US-ledinitiatives. As Phase Two progresses, pending issues like the return ofremaining hostage remains continue to influence timelines. The primeminister stressed that demilitarization would occur either throughcooperative means or forceful measures if necessary, while maintaining thatno foreign troops from Turkey or Qatar would operate in the territory.
This development highlights the complexities of postwar Gaza management,where diplomatic coordination between Washington and Jerusalem facesstrains over personnel choices. Analysts note that while advisory rolesdiffer from direct military presence, the underlying fears of influencepersist, potentially complicating reconstruction efforts.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing communications between the twoallies likely to address these differences. Netanyahu’s position,articulated clearly in the Knesset, signals Israel’s determination tosafeguard its security interests in any international framework for Gaza.
Source:https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-19/ty-article/.premium/netanyahu-says-israel-u-s-disagree-on-turkey-and-qatar-joining-gaza-board-of-peace/0000019b-d735-d54e-a3db-f737ddb20000
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