Israel clears first foreign troops into Gaza as US builds military foothold.
Israel has approved an initial deployment of about 250 foreign soldiers to Gaza as part of the multinational stabilization mission, the "Jerusalem Post" reported.
Foreign military officers have already been seen near the Gaza border alongside US personnel.
Six countries have reportedly expressed interest in joining the multinational force so far: Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Uganda and Albania. Their suggested contributions include:
Kazakhstan: medical and logistical support.
The self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo: security and policing operations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pressing the US to include Turkish troops - a proposal that Israel strongly opposes, citing Ankara's policy towards Israel, Walla reported.
Israeli officials reportedly fear that US policy may change against their interests following the Republican losses in the midterm elections. They are also concerned that a foreign force could end up operating on the ground with more personnel than some Israeli military formations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the US is establishing a dedicated military base near the border, in the area of responsibility of the Southern Division of the IDF, Gaza Divisions, equipped with armored personnel carriers, medical evacuation vehicles, trucks and armed patrols.
The former Israeli facility was upgraded with surveillance systems, guard towers and increased perimeter security.
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