The White House and the Pentagon have categorically denied reports suggesting the establishment of a new US military base near the Gaza separation fence. These claims emerged following a Navy inquiry regarding a potential future plan, which was misinterpreted by media outlets.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the reports were based on “a single piece of paper.” She emphasized that US President Donald Trump does not support deploying troops in the Middle East, stating, “This is not something the United States is interested in being engaged in.”
The controversy ignited on Tuesday when Israeli media, including Ynet and Shomrim, alleged that Washington was preparing to build a military installation valued at $500 million. These reports claimed the base would accommodate around 10,000 personnel, including American troops, and would signify a “significant escalation of US activity in Israel.”
In support of these assertions, Yedioth Ahronoth, citing unnamed Israeli officials, described the planned facility as the first large-scale American military installation on Israeli territory. Additionally, Bloomberg News corroborated these claims, reporting that the US Navy sought details for a temporary American base near Gaza.
Leavitt addressed these concerns directly, stating, “I had a conversation with the reporter who wrote this article, and this article was based on a single piece of paper.” She noted that the reporter misconstrued a Navy inquiry about a potential future idea as an official plan, which led to widespread misunderstanding.
“For clarity, President Trump has made it clear he opposes deploying troops to address the Middle East situation,” Leavitt added. “We’ve made great progress with the peace plan in Gaza, and we want to continue to see that move forward.”
In a related statement, CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins reiterated the US military’s position, stating, “Reports of the establishment of a US military base near Gaza are inaccurate.” He confirmed that no US troops will be deployed into Gaza, calling any contrary reporting “false.”
Currently, approximately 200 US military personnel are stationed at the US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel. This presence is aimed at overseeing a ceasefire that has been in effect since October 10, 2023, yet has been violated almost daily by Israel.
The ceasefire is part of a 20-point plan proposed by President Trump, which aims to facilitate peace in the region. The United States has also circulated a draft text for a UN Security Council resolution, seeking to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza for a minimum of two years. Arab nations and others are advocating for UN backing of the ISF plan before committing troops to stabilize Gaza during Israel’s phased withdrawal.
The initial phase of this plan involves the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, followed by the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing body, deliberately excluding Hamas.
As the situation continues to develop, the White House has urged media outlets to report responsibly, highlighting the importance of accurate information in international affairs.