Israel's defense establishment recently held discussions examining the possibility of withdrawing IDF forces from several locations in the Gaza Strip, Channel 12 News reported Saturday night.
According to the report, the exiting IDF forces would be replaced with a multinational force, despite Hamas remaining far from disarming.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that the IDF will not withdraw from the "Yellow Line" until Hamas disarms. However, according to the report, security officials are already preparing contingency plans should a withdrawal be approved.
Channel 12 noted that the exact definition of "disarmament" has yet to be clarified, but the US is increasing pressure on Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
A senior security source told Channel 12, "The number of troops [in the multi-national force] is simply not enough. It's only a handful of soldiers, and they're trying to build towers on the basis of that force. It's very worrying. The Americans aren't leaving us with many alternatives - but they're creating a problem for us in Gaza."
According to the report, Morocco is currently expected to contribute the largest contingent, with approximately 500 troops. Uganda is also reportedly in talks to send a similar-sized force, while other participating countries are expected to contribute only a few dozen troops each - far below the original concept of deploying several thousand personnel.
Defense officials greatly doubt that such a limited force could play a meaningful role in Gaza, particularly if it is expected to replace IDF troops in areas from which Israel withdraws.
The report added that, in any case, foreign forces are not expected to arrive in Gaza for at least another six weeks.
The Prime Minister's Office had not responded to the report at the time of publication.