US Troops in Israel
Exposed: Pentagon Planning Massive "Mega-Base" in Gaza Envelope - Here's What to Know
Secret US Plan Exposed: The Pentagon is planning a $500 million "mega-base" near the Gaza border to house thousands of international peacekeepers. Report reveals a dramatic expansion of US military presence in Israel.
A confidential American plan to dramatically expand the international military footprint in Israel has been revealed, detailing the construction of a massive new base in the Gaza Envelope (Otef Aza) with a projected budget of half a billion dollars.
According to a report by Uri Blau for Shomrim, the Pentagon intends to build a facility capable of housing thousands of international troops tasked with monitoring the Gaza ceasefire and operating within the Strip.
The move marks a significant shift in the scope of American military presence in the region. Currently, the US presence is relatively limited, with approximately 200 soldiers operating out of the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat following the ceasefire agreement.
The new proposed base would dwarf the current Kiryat Gat facility, transforming the American role from a remote coordination effort into a major on-the-ground operation.
The plan has sparked debate among Israeli security officials and politicians. While an international force could alleviate the burden on the IDF, Israel has historically viewed reliance on foreign security guarantees with deep skepticism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously expressed willingness to "examine security alternatives" involving international forces, but has always insisted that ultimate security responsibility must remain in Israeli hands, noting that "Israel's experience with foreign security responsibility is not good."
The proposal is also likely to face fierce opposition from the Israeli right. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently called for the dismantling of the existing Kiryat Gat command center, demanding the expulsion of "hostile nations like Egypt and the UK."
The urgency of the plan is underscored by the volatility on the ground. Just days ago, IDF forces eliminated six Hamas operatives in western Rafah who were identified violating the ceasefire terms, highlighting the complexity of the arena the proposed international force would be stepping into.
As of now, neither American nor Israeli officials have formally responded to the report regarding the base's specific location or the timeline for its construction.