The Trump administration is preparing to appoint a U.S. two-star general to command the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, officials from both the U.S. and Israel confirmed. The move is part of broader U.S. efforts to secure and rebuild Gaza, marking one of the most significant American political, civilian, and military initiatives in the Middle East in over two decades.
The U.S. has established a civil-military headquarters in Israel to oversee the ceasefire and coordinate humanitarian aid, while also leading planning for Gaza’s reconstruction. Under the new structure, Trump is expected to head the Gaza Board of Peace, with his top advisers forming part of an international executive board. The ISF will now operate under U.S. command, though officials emphasized there will be no American boots on the ground.
The ceasefire, considered a major second-term foreign policy achievement for Trump, remains fragile. The second phase of the agreement involves the Israel Defense Forces pulling back further, the ISF deploying to Gaza, and a new governing structure coming into effect. The UN Security Council has authorized both the ISF and the Board of Peace. Trump indicated plans to announce the board in early 2026.
UN Ambassador Mike Waltz recently informed Israeli leaders that the administration intends to lead the ISF and appoint a two-star general as its commander, stressing that having an American general at the helm should reassure Israel regarding the force’s operations. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are finalizing the composition of the ISF, the Board of Peace, and a Palestinian technocratic government. Former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov has been proposed as the board’s representative on the ground in Gaza.
The Trump administration has briefed Western countries on the plan and invited participation. Germany and Italy have already been invited to join the board, while countries such as Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Egypt have previously indicated willingness to contribute troops, though their current commitment remains uncertain. Many nations are awaiting clarity on Hamas disarmament and the ISF’s rules of engagement before committing. U.S. officials stressed to European diplomats that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza unless sufficient international support for the ISF is secured.