2024-04-01 01:58:52
Representatives of Israel and the Joe Biden administration have begun “exploratory talks” regarding options for deploying peacekeeping forces in Gaza after the end of hostilities. Options include helping fund a multinational force or a Palestinian team.
Politico reports this, citing information from two senior officials from the US Department of Defense.
The options discussed do not involve US Army operations in the field. Instead, the funding will go towards the needs of security forces and will complement assistance from other countries.
The aid could be used for infrastructure reconstruction, humanitarian aid and other needs, one of the officials said. The US Defense Department will likely have to transfer funds from other parts of the department to pay for the plan, the sources said.
In a conversation with Politico, one of the representatives of the American administration said:
“We are working with partners on various scenarios involving interim administrations and security structures in the Gaza Strip after the crisis ends.”
He did not elaborate, but added:
“We have held several meetings with both the Israelis and our partners, focusing on key aspects of the post-war situation in Gaza.”
Regarding the potential PA-led peacekeeping team, it remains unclear who would train and supply the guards, possibly part of the Palestinian Authority’s nearly 20,000 security personnel. The publication notes that it could be weeks or even months before the United States and its partners approve any plan.
Kursor also reported that President Isaac Herzog made a statement amid tensions in relations between the United States and Israel.