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| US Envoy Tom Barrack / Photo File (X/Anadolu Ajansı) |
The United States has indicated support for Türkiye’s participation in an international Gaza Stabilization Force (ISF), calling it a potentially valuable addition to the proposed post-war security arrangement.
Speaking at the Jerusalem Post’s Washington Conference, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrett, said Ankara should be considered for membership in the ISF. His remarks were later posted on X by Israeli journalist Amichai Stein.
Barrett emphasized that Türkiye’s military capacity and its established communication channels with Hamas make it a significant player capable of contributing to regional stability under a ceasefire framework.
“Our proposal was that since the Turks have the region’s largest and most effective ground operations capability—and because they maintain dialogue with Hamas—they could serve as a stabilizing force in efforts to cool down tensions,” Barrett said.
However, Israel has long opposed Türkiye’s participation in the ISF, citing political and security concerns.
In separate comments on Wednesday, Barrett reiterated that Türkiye must abandon the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system if it seeks re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program. Posting on X, he confirmed that discussions between Washington and Ankara are ongoing, but stressed that U.S. law requires Türkiye to meet specific conditions before it can be readmitted to the program.
The issues highlight the complex strategic dynamics between the two NATO allies as they navigate differing regional priorities and defense policies.
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