Israel’s Netanyahu Blocks Erdogan: Turkey Ruled Out of Gaza Force

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has effectively ruled out Turkish participation in the Gaza peacekeeping force, a direct consequence of President Tayyip Erdogan’s sharp criticism of Israel. This comes as Netanyahu asserts full veto power over the international mission.
“Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us,” Netanyahu stated Sunday, just days after a Trump-brokered truce. He also claimed the US supports this position.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Israel, supported the principle of an “Israel-comfortable” force, though he did not comment directly on Turkey. He also stressed that Hamas must be excluded from power.
The US will not send troops, but is exploring a UN resolution to authorize the force, which could include Egypt, Indonesia, and Gulf Arab states.
This diplomatic hard line comes as the truce is tested. An Israeli strike on Nuseirat was called a “violation” by Hamas, and a slow return of hostage remains has prompted a warning from Donald Trump.