The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Is Hamas poised to infiltrate new Gaza police force?
14 snips
Feb 24, 2026 Nava Freiberg, diplomatic reporter covering Israeli foreign policy, and Rossella Tercatin, archaeology reporter focused on Israeli antiquities, discuss U.S.-Iran tensions and the push to form a transitional Gaza police force. They explore the planned structure, recruitment numbers, and concerns about Hamas influence. Tercatin also describes the rare full-length display of the Great Isaiah Scroll at the Israel Museum.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Local Police Will Be Gaza's Primary Everyday Security
- The Palestinian police force is the only local security presence inside most of Gaza under the US plan.
- NCAG expects ~5,000 Palestinian officers first, with ISF aiming to train 12,000 while long-term ISF numbers could reach 20,000 troops.
Recruitment Surges Suggest Fast Deployment Is Planned
- Early recruitment shows momentum with thousands applying and plans to deploy officers quickly.
- NCAG reported about 2,000 applications already and expects around 5,000 officers to be deployed within 60 days.
Training Happens Abroad With Gazan Priority
- Training is happening outside Gaza and mixes Gazans with West Bank Palestinians who have Gaza ties.
- EU and Egyptian programs train recruits in Jericho/nearby sites, prioritizing Gazans relocated to the West Bank to keep community ties.