US and Israel Clash Over Post-Conflict Plans for Gaza Amid Rising Hamas Influence
In recent weeks, the US military command in Kiryat Gat and the Israeli Peace Council have been working to advance President Donald Trump's policy for Gaza, but they face Israeli resistance. The US has pushed to accelerate construction of a new city on Rafah land, intended to be handed over to a multinational force. Israeli representatives oppose this until there are guarantees Hamas will not attempt to operate in the area. Meanwhile, Hamas has appointed Khalil al-Hayya from Qatar as its leader and is rebuilding its municipal and military capabilities in Gaza.
The US military recently received a base from the IDF in the Gaza Division area, which is undergoing extensive renovations including command centers, offices, living quarters, and storage for military equipment and vehicles. The base is secured by US soldiers armed with assault rifles and armored vehicles, who patrol and respond swiftly to any unusual activity. Dozens of armored Humvees and trucks have been transferred to the base for the multinational force, with more vehicles expected to arrive soon, increasing the force's size to hundreds of military vehicles.
Alongside the US military buildup, the IDF and Ministry of Defense are working intensively along the Gaza border to prepare for the "day after." Efforts focus on building security components and rehabilitating the fence westward to the Burma route (the sandglass fence on the Israel-Egypt border), including installing advanced warning inductive fences. The southern brigade commander, Colonel Y, recently toured the border and briefed commanders.
A critical question remains on how the multinational force will prevent Hamas from regaining control over the "new city," which is planned to house approximately 50,000 Palestinian residents. Initial tenders for infrastructure construction have been issued, with some civilian contractors already setting up modular buildings to enable rapid, efficient, and controlled resettlement. Currently, Israel opposes allowing entry from Egypt into the area. The delay in advancing the US plan appears partly due to concerns that the process could harm the current Israeli government ahead of upcoming elections.
