Is Washington expanding its military presence in Gaza? Israeli media shares details

The United States is planning to construct a military base on the border with the Gaza Strip, designed to host international forces and operate within the territory, according to reports cited by Caliber.Az from Israeli media.

The project is expected to cost approximately $500 million, with construction and funding fully covered by the US.

In recent weeks, American officials have engaged in active discussions with the Israeli government and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) regarding the base. Several potential sites are being considered for a facility capable of accommodating several thousand soldiers.

Israeli security sources emphasise the strategic significance of the proposed base, describing it as a clear demonstration of Washington’s willingness to intervene decisively in stabilising Gaza and supporting efforts to manage the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, the large financial commitment abroad could carry domestic political implications for the US President and the Republican Party, as many Republicans traditionally oppose expanding American military involvement outside US borders.

Until now, the US military presence in Israel has been limited. Following a ceasefire agreement, the US deployed approximately 200 personnel to Israel, operating from the CMCC command centre in Kiryat Gat, which is responsible for coordinating and distributing humanitarian aid.

“CMCC in Kiryat Gat will take over the majority of operations in Gaza, and Israel’s role as the primary actor in the Strip will change,” commented Dr. Michael Milshtein, a former head of the Palestinian Affairs Department at Aman and a professor at Tel Aviv University.

By Tamilla Hasanova