Israel’s decision to block the construction of a U.S.-led military base in Gaza has stalled a significant component of President Donald Trump’s peace and reconstruction plan for the region. The proposed facility, intended to host an international stabilization force, was set to bolster security conditions crucial for humanitarian and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
In August, Arkel International, a company based in Louisiana, secured the first construction contract for the base. The outpost was designed to accommodate 150 international troops, with personnel from Morocco and Kosovo reportedly assigned to the broader effort. However, contractors and construction vehicles have been unable to enter Gaza, leaving the project in limbo.
This delay poses a risk to the wider implementation of the Board of Peace initiative, established after the October 2025 ceasefire. Without the base, key reconstruction activities, such as delivering construction equipment, restoring utilities, and establishing facilities for civilian recovery, face potential setbacks.
The Board of Peace anticipates that the project could move forward following Israel’s elections scheduled for October 27, but no official timeline has been confirmed. The ambitious reconstruction program for Gaza, announced in September, includes a six-month, $2.45 billion plan as an initial step toward a decade-long, $71 billion reconstruction effort.
Despite these plans, the situation in Gaza remains precarious. Israeli strikes have persisted since the ceasefire, resulting in approximately 1,400 deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. The ongoing delay of the international military outpost underscores the challenges in maintaining security and commencing large-scale reconstruction in the region.