ISLAMABAD: Israel announced on Sunday that Turkish forces would not take part in the multinational mission being discussed to assume control of Gaza once Israeli troops pull out, Israeli media reported.

“There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,” government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters, dismissing speculation about Ankara’s involvement in the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), according to Times of Israel.

The statement follows reports that the United States is in talks with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan to contribute to an international stabilization mission under US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The initiative aims to gradually transfer security responsibilities in Gaza from Israeli forces to an interim international presence.

The force has yet to be formed, and discussions continue over whether it would operate under a United Nations Security Council mandate.

Earlier, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said at a security forum in Manama that Türkiye could play a role in the effort, despite Israeli objections. US Vice President JD Vance also noted that Ankara might have a “constructive role,” but stressed Washington would not pressure Israel to accept any foreign troops.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated after Türkiye’s Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Friday issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of “genocide” and “crimes against humanity” in Gaza.

The list reportedly includes Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The prosecutor’s statement also cited the bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza earlier this year.

Israel rejected the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it a “PR stunt” by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since Oct. 10 as part of Trump’s regional peace initiative.

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Israel says Turkish troops will not join Gaza stabilization mission