Israel blocks construction of Trump-backed Gaza stabilization base
Israel is refusing to allow a military outpost project central to Trump's Board of Peace reconstruction plan to proceed in Gaza.
What happened
In August 2025, the Board of Peace—an international organization authorized by the UN and chaired by President Trump—issued its first construction contract to Louisiana-based Arkel International to build a military outpost in Gaza. The fortified position, roughly 100 by 100 meters, would host 150 rotating international troops drawn from a larger force of 500 already deployed from Morocco and Kosovo. Two months later, Israel has not permitted the project to move forward, preventing contractors and equipment from crossing into Gaza to begin work. According to a source with direct knowledge, the Board of Peace believes Israel may allow the project to proceed after Israeli elections scheduled for 27 October.
Context
The Board of Peace, formed following an October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, is central to Trump's claims to have resolved the conflict, which he lists among eight wars he claims to have ended. The international stabilization force is a prerequisite for the broader reconstruction effort: according to the source, security provided by the force is necessary to enable aid deliveries, equipment movement, and installation of basic infrastructure. Without it, the wider Board of Peace program cannot launch. The organization unveiled a $2.45 billion six-month plan in September as the first phase of a $71 billion ten-year reconstruction effort, framed as restoring Gaza to a luxury waterfront development. Israel has continued military strikes in Gaza since the October ceasefire, with Gaza health authorities reporting approximately 1,400 deaths during that period.
What's disputed
Israel's stated reasons for blocking the project are not provided. The Board of Peace and Israeli government both declined to comment.