Yedioth: America plans to build a massive military base near Gaza

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the United States plans to establish a massive military base worth $500 million near the Gaza border to support the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10th.

The newspaper quoted Israeli officials as saying that the base could accommodate thousands of soldiers, noting that the construction of this base reflects greater U.S. involvement in Gaza and, more generally, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli sources stated that this military facility could be used by an "international stabilization force" that is expected to be formed by a decision from the United Nations Security Council and deployed in Gaza.

According to the same sources, U.S. officials discussed the plan with the Israeli government and military in recent weeks.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that U.S. military presence remains limited so far, explaining that this base—if built—would be the first large-scale U.S. military facility in Israel and would express an increased commitment from Washington to establish stability following the recent war on Gaza.

It added that 200 U.S. soldiers have been deployed at the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, Israel, following the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to the newspaper, the establishment of the U.S. military base would represent a significant escalation of U.S. activity in Israel, coming amid steps that have already reduced Israel's operational independence in Gaza, particularly regarding the coordination of humanitarian aid deliveries.

In this context, it noted statements from Israeli officials that the operations coordination center is expected to take "full control over the distribution of humanitarian aid" in Gaza, which marginalizes the role of the other coordination center affiliated with the Israeli government.

The Israeli newspaper stated that the establishment of a costly U.S. military base would spark a political debate in the United States, as many Republicans oppose expanding U.S. military presence abroad, especially amid the federal budget crisis.