Biden administration officials are in preliminary “conversations” about options for stabilizing post-war Gaza, including a proposal for the Pentagon to help fund either a multinational force or a Palestinian peacekeeping team.
The options being considered would not involve U.S. troops on the ground, according to two Defense Department officials and two other U.S. officials, all granted anonymity to discuss the closed-door diplomatic and military negotiations. Instead, DOD funding would go toward the needs of the security force and complement assistance from other countries.
Asked for comment, a senior administration official said “we are working with partners on various scenarios for interim governance and security structures in Gaza once the crisis recedes,” declining to detail specifics. “We’ve had a number of conversations with both the Israelis and our partners about key elements for the day after in Gaza when the time is right.”
It could be weeks or months before Washington and its partners approve any plan, especially since regional players want to see a commitment to a two-state solution before seriously engaging with the options. There are also questions about the viability of training a potential Palestinian-led force in time to maintain order in Gaza, which has been decimated after five months of brutal fighting.
And Israel is reluctant to have these conversations until it defeats Hamas militarily and secures the release of hostages being held by the group. Some officials within the Israeli government have called for Israel to occupy Gaza after the war, a proposal the U.S. opposes.
“Israel is the long pole in the tent,” said one of the DOD officials, noting that Israel “has their hands full with other things.”
“It would be one thing if the administration and the Israeli government were aligned on the way ahead, but that is just not the case,” said the official.
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
Considering the complex relationship between Israel and Gaza, how do you think U.S. involvement in funding a peacekeeping force could impact future peace?
@9L79QM4 2mos2MO
It depends on who the peacekeeping force supports and how they go about doing so. If the U.S. chooses to go down the strategic route, they should prioritize eliminating violence on both sides and aiding everyone in need.
Well I know for a fact that U.S. funds are supporting Israel even though the majority of the world is with Gaza. They do not deserve to go through what they are going through and I hope they find justice for these crimes.
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
If you were a resident of Gaza, how would you react to an international peacekeeping force in your area?
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@NarwhalBarrySocialist2mos2MO
What countries would join the U.S. in such a peacekeeping force? What would be the rules of engagement for fighting a Hamas enemy that hides in civilian clothes? How long would such a force be necessary?
@BuzzardAlexandraDemocrat2mos2MO
Sending troops to Gaza? That's the last thing we need. Haven't we learned anything from the endless interventions abroad? It's like every time there's a conflict anywhere, the U.S. thinks it's their duty to jump in, guns blazing. And who pays the price? American taxpayers and innocent lives on the ground. It's time to focus on our own problems and stop playing world police. Enough is enough. Let's not get dragged into another endless conflict with no clear objective or exit strategy.
@9KY6LGG2mos2MO
Unconstitutional. Will start a war.
This is why they want the dock. It's an excuse to get US troops in to fight Hamas for the Israelis.
@GrumpyHouseOfRepsGreen2mos2MO
Send the Delta Six to get rid of Netanyahu! War criminal
@SelfishFishGreen2mos2MO
8 months away from the election.
I believe we’re going to hear a lot of grand plans before then that will never happen but aimed to please the Dearborn, Michigan Palestinians.
@LynxArielNo Labels2mos2MO
Gullible infidels.
No one likes what is happening in Gaza, but I don't see this working out well.
@TaxationDonSocialist2mos2MO
It's probably gonna be the opposite, but Israel should not be allowed any form of control over this peace-keeping force. Ideally, this force should be made to protect Palestinians from Israel.
@RightsJackGreen2mos2MO
America all ready to get their troops in there to protect the oil they plan to extract from under Gaza. Why else would they be bankrolling this whole thing.
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
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