Israel has authorised the United States to deploy an initial force of about 250 foreign troops in Gaza, as preparations advance for a US-led multinational force to operate deeper inside the territory, security officials have told Israeli media.

Foreign military officers accompanied by US troops have been spotted near the Gaza Strip border over the past two weeks, as preparations continue for the deployment, security officials confirmed to the Israeli outlet Walla on Monday.

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Uganda and Albania have so far expressed willingness to take part in the force. Kazakhstan has offered medical and logistical assistance, while Kosovo has proposed supporting security and policing operations.

Turkey's role disputed

One factor delaying the formation of the force is pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Washington to allow Turkey to take part in operations in Gaza, as part of Ankara's efforts to expand its regional influence, according to Walla.

Officials in Jerusalem and the Israeli defence establishment strongly oppose Turkish involvement, citing Ankara's policies toward Israel, Erdogan's statements and Turkey's hosting of a Hamas headquarters. According to Israeli assessments, that headquarters directed an attack near Hebron more than two weeks ago in which two Israeli soldiers were killed.

Israeli defence officials are also concerned about Washington's future policies toward Israel and the speed at which the multinational force could enter Gaza. One security official said it was not unrealistic that the Gaza Division and Southern Command could wake up one day and discover a foreign multinational force with more soldiers than the number of troops in the Gaza Division, adding that Israel needed to be prepared for several diplomatic and security scenarios.

US base expands near the border

Meanwhile, the US military continues to transfer vehicles and equipment to a special base near the Gaza border, within the area of responsibility of the Israeli military's Gaza Division Southern Brigade. The equipment includes trucks, armoured vehicles designed to transport troops across difficult terrain, medical evacuation vehicles and armoured vehicles equipped with machine guns.

The facility was originally an Israeli military base before being handed over to the US. Guard towers have since been erected, surveillance and lighting systems installed and the perimeter fence renovated. Armed US troops now secure the base around the clock.

Planned new city in Rafah

At the same time, preparations are advancing for the construction of a planned new city on the ruins of part of Rafah, a project approved by the Israeli government. Engineering work is under way at the site ahead of the planned relocation of tens of thousands of Palestinians, who would undergo strict security screening, including approval from Israeli authorities.

The initial multinational force is expected to secure the area surrounding the new city. However, security officials said only a limited number of Palestinians would initially be admitted to the compound following security screening, with the project operating as a pilot programme. No timetable has been set for its implementation.

Israel's political leadership continues to oppose reconstruction in Gaza without first disarming Hamas and transferring control of the enclave to a third party.

The force's build-up follows earlier commitments reported by Reuters, which said five countries, Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania, had pledged troops for an international stabilisation force, with a long-term plan for 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained police officers. JBizNews reported the same 250-troop authorisation, also citing Walla.