(Washington/Paris) According to an internal document, the U.S. military is studying the possibility of establishing a temporary base near the Gaza Strip capable of housing 10,000 troops for use by an international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
A "Request for Information" (RFI) seen by Bloomberg indicates that the U.S. Navy is seeking bids from a group of pre-qualified companies, specifying potential locations as "near Israel and the Gaza Strip." Requirements include that contractors provide "a comprehensive security plan covering access control, threat response, and mass casualty contingency measures."
However, sources familiar with the matter say the RFI is not a formal tender document and does not guarantee a contract, but it reflects the services that federal agencies hope to obtain from private companies.
According to a U.S. official, this document represents an initial planning step for establishing a troop base in southern Israel. U.S. President Trump said last week that he expects an international force to monitor the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to soon be deployed to Gaza.
U.S. Central Command spokesman Hawkins said that the U.S. military is currently working with international military partners to develop potential deployment plans for international forces, but reiterated that no U.S. troops will be deployed to Gaza.
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White House spokeswoman Levitt said the White House has not approved such a plan, calling the document "just a piece of paper made by some unknown people within the military."
The Israeli military responded, "We are working with the United States and other partners on the future of Gaza, and there are different options at present."
According to Trump's earlier 20-point peace plan, an international force composed of Arab and allied forces would stabilize the situation in Gaza after the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and governance of Gaza would eventually be transferred to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Macron Warns Israel Against Annexing the West Bank
In response, Palestinian Authority President Abbas met with French President Macron on Tuesday (November 11) and pledged to hold presidential and parliamentary elections after the Gaza conflict ends.
Abbas and Macron also announced the formation of a joint committee to "consolidate the Palestinian state" to assist in drafting a new Palestinian constitution.
France previously recognized the Palestinian state. Macron emphasized that long-term stability in the Middle East depends on the implementation of the "two-state solution" and warned that Israel's annexation of the West Bank would cross a "red line," triggering a strong reaction from Europe.
