U.S. officials told European diplomats that Israel's military will not withdraw from Gaza unless their countries send soldiers to the International Stabilization Force or support nations that do, according to Axios in a story published December 11 and cited by Barak Ravid on X during the reporting window from 9:16 AM to 10:45 AM UTC on December 12. The message stated: "If you are not ready to go to Gaza, don't complain that the IDF stays." Axios reported separately that the Trump administration plans to appoint an American two-star general to command the ISF, aimed at securing Gaza following Israeli military operations. Ravid shared the Axios article via his X post in the same period, highlighting U.S. efforts to internationalize stabilization responsibilities. These communications occurred amid discussions on establishing the ISF for post-conflict Gaza security. No specific name for the general or appointment timeline was provided in the Axios report. The Trump administration, re-elected in 2024, is pushing for broader international participation to facilitate an Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal.
