Washington has reportedly proposed former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolai Mladenov, as its representative to the Gaza Council, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development comes amid growing discussions surrounding a potential transition to the second phase of a broader peace agreement.
Sources indicate that Mladenov’s role would involve working closely with a proposed technocratic Palestinian government. The Gaza Council is envisioned as a key component in the post-conflict administration of the region.
In a related development, American and Israeli officials have suggested that the U.S. administration is considering appointing a U.S. General to lead a special stabilization force in the Gaza Strip. Major General Jasper Jeffers of the U.S. Central Command is reportedly a leading candidate for the position, according to a White House official.
Israeli officials have stated that the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz, informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials that the U.S. administration intends to take a leading role in the stabilization force in Gaza.
Discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding operational decisions related to both the stabilization force and the Gaza Council. However, sources stress that no final decisions have been made at this time. The United States has indicated that it will not deploy ground troops to the Gaza Strip.
Major General Jeffers is described as a highly regarded officer within the U.S. military and has reportedly played a central role in training and developing models aimed at bridging the gap between the Israeli military and Palestinians in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, European officials have expressed concerns regarding the prioritization of the Green Zone in Gaza over the reconstruction efforts needed for the civilian population. They have also raised concerns about a project to draw civilians into the Israeli-controlled area.
The U.S. administration maintains that it is committed to its efforts in Gaza, stating that the Middle East is experiencing positive developments.
