U.S. Plans Large Military Base on Gaza Border, Report Says

The United States is planning to build a large military base along the Gaza border, a move that could cost roughly $500 million, Israeli investigative outlet Sharim reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the base would accommodate thousands of troops and heavy weapons.

Iranian state broadcaster Press TV carried the Sharim report, saying the U.S. intends to station a large number of service members and heavy equipment at the facility. The decision to construct a U.S. base has raised concern across the Middle East, with many viewing it as a sign of new American-led aggression in support of Israel.

Sharim said the U.S.-built facility would give Washington the ability to operate without direct coordination with Israeli authorities, allowing the United States to shape the situation on its own terms. Last week, a U.S. delegation reportedly discussed potential locations with the Israeli military.

Analysts say the plan has emerged amid intense global outrage over Israel’s ongoing, what some describe as genocidal, campaign in Gaza. They argue Israel may be attempting to advance its objectives indirectly through allied partners to temporarily reduce international pressure.

Palestinian officials have warned that such a step would amount to replacing one occupier with another—that is, substituting foreign troops for Israeli forces. Early in November, senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk al-Jaziri said, “We will not accept any military force that acts as a substitute for occupying forces in Gaza.”

Earlier, Washington proposed a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council that called for creation of an “International Stabilization Force (ISF).” That proposal envisioned a force led by the United States, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, and suggested the force would remain in Gaza for at least two years. The draft framed the deployment in terms of reconstruction and security but critics say it aims to disarm Gaza and dismantle resistance infrastructure.

Critics contend the plan ignores root issues—such as Israeli occupation, accountability for alleged war crimes, and Palestinian self-determination and reparations—while reports of a new U.S. base are now adding to regional alarm.