Israel denies approving ISF entry into Gaza without 'complete disarmament of Hamas'

The Prime Minister's Office issued a denial on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after reports emerged that Israel had approved the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the PMO said, "In contrast with reports, the political echelon did not authorize the entry of the international force to the Gaza Strip," and added, "Israel clarified that there will be no reconstruction in the Strip before the full disarmament of Hamas."

The denial came after the Tzav 9 movement and the Otef Israel Forum published footage earlier in the week, reportedly from the American base in Kerem Shalom, showing the arrival of ISF forces. According to the organizations, the footage shows the international forces arriving ahead of the commencement of reconstruction work in areas of the Gaza Strip under IDF control.

Dispute over reconstruction plans

The Otef Israel Forum, a group representing residents of the Gaza envelope, disputed the PMO's position, claiming that the declarations about reconstruction being contingent on disarmament apply only to areas under Hamas control. The forum said that under Article 17 of the agreement, reconstruction in IDF-controlled areas within the Yellow Line is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. It further alleged that the ISF and the Board of Peace have already begun preliminary tours of the enclave ahead of planned reconstruction.

"We, as residents of the Gaza envelope, will not allow this to happen. We will continue standing up for our security and our right to live in peace," the Otef Israel Forum stated.

Tzav 9 criticizes reconstruction before disarmament

Tzav 9, a movement known for its opposition to certain policies regarding Gaza, also criticized the possibility of reconstruction before Hamas disarms. The group stated, "Any reconstruction in the Gaza Strip before the full disarmament of Hamas means reconstructing terrorist infrastructure, granting a prize to and encouraging Hamas to continue to oppose disarmament, and a burning defeat for us in the war."

Tzav 9 announced it would hold a protest in Kerem Shalom next Tuesday against the move, with the statement, "Our lives are not worth less."

The Jerusalem Post reported the PMO's denial and its reiteration that "there will be no reconstruction of any kind in Gaza before the complete disarmament of Hamas," noting that the story is developing.