JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel alone would decide which countries it would allow to join a planned international security force in Gaza.
Under a US-brokered ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, a coalition of mainly Arab and Muslim powers is expected to deploy troops in the devastated Palestinian territory.
But Netanyahu, who opposes regional rival Turkey having a role in the force, said: “We made clear with respect to international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us.”
Earlier on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Israel had to be at ease with the nations contributing to a future international security force in Gaza, following reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed Turkish involvement.
Read more: Gaza security force to include countries Israel ‘comfortable with’: US
It’s a developing story. Details to follow.