Overview
- Vice Admiral Justin Jones held a video call with US Central Command to discuss plans and possible tasks for a prospective International Stabilisation Force.
- He said any Australian involvement, if requested, would likely focus on coordination and security roles.
- Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Australia has not been asked to send personnel and that any formal request would be considered by the government.
- The stabilisation force is a key element of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, with the United States preparing to deploy up to 200 troops to Israel to facilitate aid rather than operate inside Gaza.
- Negotiations over troop contributors continue, with reports pointing to Arab and Muslim nations, as Washington pressures Hamas to disarm and Israel reduces the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza.