The U.S. government is moving forward with plans to construct a massive new military base on the Israeli border with Gaza—a move that sharply contradicts promises to end American entanglements in the Middle East and is raising alarm among critics focused on U.S. sovereignty and security.

A report from Israeli news outlet Shomrim, highlighted by Connor Echols of Responsible Statecraft, reveals plans for a U.S. military base in Israel with an estimated cost of $500 million. This development would significantly increase the number of American troops deployed in the region, marking a major expansion of U.S. military influence near Gaza.

Official statements from the Pentagon and diplomatic sources suggest that the base is intended to support an international “peacekeeping” force aimed at stabilizing Gaza after the conflict. However, the scale of this project could result in a substantial U.S. presence near Gaza, with some reports indicating that the coordination might be directed more from Washington than the United Nations.

Critics recall that former President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to end prolonged military engagements in the Middle East. Annelle Sheline from the Quincy Institute expressed to Responsible Statecraft that establishing a U.S. military base in historic Palestine contradicts the “America First” foreign policy Trump advocated. She cautioned that such a move could endanger U.S. troops and entangle the U.S. in Israel’s controversial occupation of Palestine, potentially leading to a prolonged commitment in the region.

The Pentagon, however, disputes these claims, asserting to Responsible Statecraft that “U.S. military personnel are currently collaborating with international military partners to explore options for basing international troops as part of a future International Stabilization Force. No U.S. troops will be stationed in Gaza, and any contrary reports are inaccurate.”

Nonetheless, preparations for the base have begun, with American officials assessing potential sites. Israeli military sources, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, claim limited knowledge about the initiative, which has led to speculation that the base might prioritize U.S. strategic interests over regional peace.

According to The Atlantic, there are concurrent plans for “Alternate Safe Communities,” which are large-scale housing developments designed to accommodate up to 25,000 Palestinians each. These communities would be located on the Israeli side, closely monitored by Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence. Contracts for these projects are reportedly in place, and the U.S. is also enhancing its operations at a “coordination center” just outside of Gaza.

In deeply critical on-air remarks, independent journalist Kim Iversen called out the project’s underlying motives: “There is a plan in the works right now—The United States, under the direction of Donald Trump…wants to construct a major base to send a message, not just to Gaza but to the entire region, that the U.S. military is here to stay.” She warned viewers, “This is a permanent occupation and a total betrayal of everything we were promised about getting out of Middle Eastern fights.”

Iversen added, “The establishment is lying to you about the purpose of this base. They want you to believe it’s about international peacekeeping, but the reality is this base would allow America to control the narrative and movement in and out of Gaza, and keep boots on the ground for as long as Washington wants.”

Reports indicate the multinational “peace force” would not fall under the usual U.N. chain of command, but instead be governed by a “Board of Peace” shaped by U.S. leadership, according to Jewish Insider—a further sign of Washington’s unprecedented direct control.​

For America First advocates and anyone tired of endless foreign wars, the prospect of a permanent $500 million U.S. base on historic Palestinian land looks less like peacekeeping and more like a blank check to empire.