Israel has approved sending the first foreign troops to Gaza, as the US strengthens its military position.
Israel has approved an initial deployment of approximately 250 foreign soldiers to Gaza as part of a multinational stabilization mission, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Foreign military officers have already been spotted near the Gaza border together with American military personnel.
Six countries have reportedly expressed interest in joining the multinational force: Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Uganda and Albania. Their suggested contributions include:
Kazakhstan: medical and logistical support.
Self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo: Security and Law Enforcement Operations.
Turkish President Erdogan insists on including the Turkish soldiers in the US report - a proposal strongly rejected by Israel, citing Ankara's policy towards Israel, Walla reports.
According to the reports, Israeli officials fear that US policy may change to their detriment after the Republican losses in the midterm elections.
They are also concerned about the possibility that foreign forces could end up operating in the field with more personnel than some Israeli military forces in Gaza.
In the meantime, the US is establishing a special military base near the border, in the area of responsibility of the IDF's southern division in Gaza, equipped with armored personnel carriers, medical evacuation vehicles, trucks and armed patrols.
The former Israeli facility has been upgraded with surveillance systems, guard towers and improved perimeter security.