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Tensions are mounting between Washington and Jerusalem as the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza hits a critical snag. With negotiations deadlocked over the return of the final hostages held by Hamas, Israeli officials are increasingly concerned that the United States, running low on patience, may soon push for a security solution that Israel views as a strategic threat: the introduction of Turkish military boots on the ground in the Gaza Strip.
According to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth, the friction centers on the transition to "Phase 2" of the 20-point plan proposed by President Donald Trump. While the Biden administration is pressing Israel to advance to the next stage of the deal, Jerusalem is digging in its heels. Israeli leadership refuses to move forward with the plan's broader reconstruction and political milestones until Hamas returns the bodies of the last two known hostages: Sergeant First Class Ran Gvili and Thai national Sonthaya Rinthak. An Israeli source told the publication that searches for the remains are currently on a "low flame," insisting that Hamas possesses leads on their location and "can invest more effort" to bring the matter to a close.
However, Israel’s refusal to advance has created a dangerous vacuum regarding the establishment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). The Americans have faced significant difficulties in recruiting Arab and Muslim nations to contribute thousands of troops to police the Strip, largely because Hamas has threatened to treat any international force as hostile occupiers. Azerbaijan, which had initially expressed willingness to send peacekeepers, reportedly withdrew its offer following pressure from Ankara.
The Turkish Paragon
This recruitment failure is driving the scenario Israel fears most. With the US desperate to establish a mechanism to replace IDF control, Israeli officials worry that Washington will eventually insist on Turkish troops filling the void. For Israel, the entry of forces from Turkey—a nation that regularly hosts senior Hamas officials—is viewed as a highly problematic scenario. Intelligence reports suggesting Hamas is already re-strengthening in areas it holds have only deepened Israeli resolve that any stabilization force must be committed to full disarmament, a goal they believe a Turkish contingent would undermine.
The deadlock is further complicated by disagreements over the demilitarization of the Strip. While Israel insists on the complete dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities, the terror group has expressed willingness to surrender only heavy weapons. "From Israel's perspective, this is a non-starter," a source confirmed. Simultaneously, the situation in Rafah remains volatile, with dozens of militants barricaded in tunnels. Israel’s offer to allow them safe exile to a third country has stalled, as no nation has agreed to take them in.
As the impasse drags on, frustration in Jerusalem is growing. The US continues to prevent Israel from imposing new sanctions on Hamas regarding the hostage bodies, leaving Israel with little leverage while the terror group stalls for time. With Turkey and Qatar recently meeting with Egyptian intelligence in Cairo to coordinate their approach to "Phase 2," Israel finds itself increasingly isolated. Officials now estimate that a diplomatic tipping point is near, where Israel may no longer be able to hold back the American plan, potentially forcing a compromise that allows Ankara a foothold in post-war Gaza.
Photo: Turkish Presidency