The US military is currently examining a Navy request regarding the potential establishment of a temporary military base located near Gaza, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 individuals. This inquiry has sparked significant public denials from both the White House and US Central Command.
According to documents reviewed by Bloomberg, the internal request solicited cost estimates from pre-approved contractors for the construction of a “temporary, self-sustaining military base.” This facility would span 10,000 square feet (approximately 929 square meters) of office space and be operational for a period of one year. It aims to include various autonomous capabilities such as power generation, water and waste management, food services, communication networks, medical care, and comprehensive security measures for both access control and emergency response.
The request, submitted in late October with an expectation for responses by early November, listed the location merely as “near Gaza, Israel.” Only contractors who participate in the naval force’s Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract program, which is tailored for overseas projects, were eligible to respond to this inquiry.
While the inquiry has raised questions, US officials clarify that it pertains to initial planning for an International Stabilization Force. This proposed multinational force would consist of foreign troops—not American personnel—deployed in Gaza to oversee the ceasefire between the Israeli military and Hamas, supporting reconstruction efforts in the region. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for Central Command, emphasized that the inquiry is part of a broader exploration for basing international troops and confirmed, “To be clear, no US troops will be deployed into Gaza.”
An unnamed US official further elaborated, stating that the inquiry symbolizes foundational planning for a site in southern Israel that could facilitate this multinational mission. Presently, about 200 US personnel are stationed at a coordination center in southern Israel, focused on humanitarian and security logistics linked to the ongoing ceasefire.
The Navy’s inquiry led to heightened speculation in the media, particularly after Israeli outlets, including Ynet and Shomrim, reported that the US intends to construct a $500 million base along the Gaza border. In response to these reports, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the speculations during a recent briefing, clarifying that the story is “based on a single piece of paper produced by random people within the military.” She further dismissed the notion that such a plan had been discussed or approved by the upper echelons of the US government, asserting that it should not be considered an official initiative in the Middle East.
Similarly, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an International Spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, mentioned that while he lacked specific details, conversations between Israel and the US are ongoing. He acknowledged that various ideas are currently under consideration concerning the future situation in Gaza, reiterating collaboration with American and other international partners.
