Why Indonesia’s lead role in Gaza peacekeeping force carries high political risk
Jakarta has reiterated that it ‘will not conduct military operations’ after it agreed to assume the role of deputy commander of the force
While the Indonesian government has stressed that its personnel would focus on protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian efforts, analysts say the ISF’s broader objectives – including the disarmament of Palestinian armed groups such as Hamas – could test its non-combat pledge and place it in a politically delicate position.
Prabowo told reporters after the meeting that he would “search for a good [soldier]” to fulfil the new post.
Indonesia planned to send up to 8,000 military personnel to Gaza, which could increase “if necessary”, and “advanced groups” would be deployed within one or two months to survey conditions on the ground and assess security risks, Prabowo said.
The country would be among the first five contributors to the ISF, alongside Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania, according to Jeffers. Egypt and Jordan would help train a new transitional Palestinian police force. The ISF’s personnel would likely total 20,000, he said.