The White House and Pentagon have categorically denied reports suggesting plans to establish a new US military base near the Gaza separation fence with Israel. These claims, reported by Israeli media, indicated that the proposed base would cost approximately $500 million and accommodate up to 10,000 personnel, including American troops.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media on Wednesday, clarifying that the information stemmed from a Navy inquiry regarding a potential future concept, which was based on a single document. “I checked with the highest levels of the United States federal government. This is not something the United States is interested in being engaged in,” Leavitt stated.
Reports from outlets such as Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth sparked the speculation, suggesting that the facility would represent a significant escalation of US military presence on Israeli territory. Bloomberg News also corroborated these claims, reporting that the US Navy was exploring details for a temporary base capable of housing thousands of troops for up to a year.
Leavitt emphasized that the article in question was misinterpreted. “I had a conversation directly with the reporter who wrote this article, and this article was based on a single piece of paper, an inquiry that somebody in the Department of Navy made about an idea that may happen in the future,” she explained. She added that the President has made it clear he opposes deploying troops in the region, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts in Gaza.
In a statement, Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for CENTCOM, reiterated the official position, declaring, “Reports of the establishment of a US military base near Gaza are inaccurate. To be clear, no US troops will be deployed into Gaza. Any reporting to the contrary is false.”
Currently, around 200 US military personnel are stationed at the US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, overseeing a fragile ceasefire established on October 10. This truce, which has been breached almost daily by Israeli forces, is part of a broader peace initiative proposed by President Trump, which includes a comprehensive 20-point plan.
The United States has also circulated a draft for a UN Security Council resolution aimed at establishing an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza for a minimum of two years. This initiative seeks to secure international backing before committing troops for stabilisation efforts during Israel’s phased withdrawal from the region.
The initial phase of this plan involves the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent stages would focus on the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing body, deliberately excluding Hamas.
As the situation evolves, both US officials and international observers remain attentive to the dynamics in the region, balancing military considerations with diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace.
