New reports confirm that the White House and Pentagon have firmly rejected claims regarding a proposed $500 million U.S. military base near Gaza’s separation fence with Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the information originated from a single Navy inquiry and is not an official plan.
Leavitt addressed the media on Wednesday, asserting, “This is not something the United States is interested in being engaged in.” The denial comes in response to reports from Israeli outlets, which claimed the U.S. was preparing to establish a base capable of housing 10,000 personnel, including American troops.
“The article stemmed from a Navy query about a potential future idea, based on a single document,” Leavitt elaborated. She emphasized that President Donald Trump opposes deploying troops in the Middle East, focusing instead on peace initiatives.
On Tuesday, Israeli media outlets like Ynet and Shomrim reported the U.S. was moving towards building a military facility, describing it as a significant escalation of American military presence in Israel. However, CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins also refuted the claims, stating, “Reports of the establishment of a U.S. military base near Gaza are inaccurate.” He confirmed, “No U.S. troops will be deployed into Gaza. Any reporting to the contrary is false.”
Currently, around 200 U.S. military personnel are stationed at the U.S.-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, overseeing a fragile ceasefire that has faced violations since October 10. This truce is linked to a 20-point plan proposed by President Trump aimed at stabilizing the region.
The U.S. has recently circulated a draft for a UN Security Council resolution that would mandate an International Stabilization Force in Gaza for at least two years. Arab nations seek UN backing for this plan before committing troops to stabilize Gaza during Israel’s phased withdrawal. The initial phase involves the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with subsequent stages focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction and the establishment of a new governing body, excluding Hamas.
As these developments unfold, officials urge the public to rely on verified information rather than speculative reports. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the White House continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
