New Allies Step Up: Kosovo and Kazakhstan Join Global Army to Replace the IDF

The vision for a "new order" in the Gaza Strip is rapidly moving from a theoretical framework to an operational reality under the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan. In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Kosovo and Kazakhstan have officially joined the growing list of nations committed to the International Stabilization Force (ISF). This multinational body is designed to oversee the post-war transition, ensuring the permanent demilitarization of Hamas and maintaining the fragile ceasefire that has remained in place. While the Israel Defense Forces currently maintain control of the territory, the arrival of these international units will mark a pivotal shift, allowing for the eventual transfer of security responsibilities to a coalition of foreign and regional partners.

The Indonesian Backbone

The most substantial commitment to the mission comes from Jakarta, where the Indonesian military has already begun intensive training for a massive contingent of approximately 8,000 soldiers. This force is expected to serve as the operational backbone of the ISF, providing the numbers and logistical capabilities necessary to manage a territory as volatile as Gaza. Indonesian officials have indicated that their primary focus will be on maintaining public order and supporting humanitarian efforts, while also participating in the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.

Strategically, the deployment of these international troops is being planned in close coordination with the Israeli defense establishment. Current reports suggest that the foreign soldiers will be positioned just behind "the yellow line," referring to specific secure zones that are already under Israeli military control. By operating from these stabilized areas, the coalition can effectively prevent the return of Hamas terrorists to civil centers of power without immediately engaging in front-line combat. This "buffer" strategy is intended to create a safe environment for the newly appointed Palestinian technocratic committee to begin the grueling work of reconstruction and governance.

Timeline for Deployment

Despite the momentum in building the coalition, the "day after" will not begin immediately. The Trump administration and US military officials estimate that the International Stabilization Force will not be fully operational or ready for deployment until May 2026. The logistical challenges of coordinating troops from diverse nations like Albania, Morocco, Greece, and Kazakhstan require months of joint training and the establishment of a unified command structure. Until this force arrives, the IDF will continue its current operational activities, maintaining the security perimeter and preventing any resurgence of violence.

While the joining of Kosovo and Kazakhstan is a major step forward, the coalition still faces significant diplomatic hurdles. Key regional players, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, have so far resisted making formal troop commitments, though they have joined the "Board of Peace" in an advisory and financial capacity. Furthermore, the exact mandate for the use of force remains a subject of intense negotiation. Without a clear agreement on how the coalition will respond to potential terrorist attacks, the long-term effectiveness of the ISF remains a question of intense debate among security analysts. Nevertheless, with thousands of troops now in training and the May deadline approaching, the path toward a post-Hamas Gaza is becoming increasingly clear.