Falcon powers – Israeli media outlets reported on Monday about an initiative presented by Egypt to the United States regarding an “Arab force” in the Palestinian territories. However, Saudi Arabia and other countries rejected the proposal.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, through Channel 11, revealed an initiative put forth by Egypt in a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo.
The initiative discussed the possibility of forming an “Arab force” to maintain peace in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
However, several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar, opposed the idea.
Political analyst and Arab affairs specialist Roy Kiyas stated in an interview with the Israeli channel that Arab countries have changed their approach to the idea of a peacekeeping force in Gaza and the West Bank.
He pointed out that official representatives from Arab countries have previously stated their refusal to support the idea of an international or regional force in Gaza. However, some Arab countries, including Egypt, have softened their reservations to fulfill their “commitment to protecting Gaza” and achieving a comprehensive peace process.
Kiyas added that it is unclear which Arab countries would agree to participate in this peacekeeping force.
He cited an Arab diplomat who told the American newspaper Financial Times that such a mission should be sent after approval from the United Nations Security Council and for a limited period. Another Arab source was quoted as saying that Egypt proposed the possibility of forming an Arab peacekeeping force, while other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar, opposed it.
The Israeli political analyst also mentioned that about two months ago, a meeting was held between the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo. They presented their vision for solving the Palestinian issue the day after the Gaza war and proposed the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.
According to the Israeli channel, Arab countries are concerned that Israel may perceive this idea as tactical and temporary, allowing the Israeli army to deal with problems and challenges in Gaza, such as the distribution of humanitarian aid, rather than as part of a comprehensive and strategic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as desired by those Arab countries.
