As an armed Hamas reportedly cracks down on factions testing its grip on power, its refusal to disarm is shaping Israel’s next move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel will control any international force, citing the “lingering challenge” of an armed Hamas.
“Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated, asserting a veto power just days after the Trump-brokered truce took effect. He also claimed the US supports this stance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed this, stating the force must be “comfortable” for Israel and that Hamas must be “exclu[ded]” from power.
Netanyahu has already signaled this veto will be used to block Turkey, whose leader was a vocal critic.
The truce is also being tested by direct violence. An Israeli strike on the Nuseirat camp, targeting alleged militants, was called a “clear violation” by Hamas, accusing Netanyahu of undermining the peace.