Former Israeli officials have voiced deep frustration over what they describe as persistent American interference in Tel Aviv’s decisions regarding the Gaza Strip — alongside the continued consolidation of Hamas’ power despite two years of Israeli massacres, destruction, and failed attempts at domination.
U.S. Base in Kiryat Gat: Overshadowing Israeli Command
Doron Hadar, former head of crisis management in the Israeli occupation army, wrote that the establishment of a U.S. operations base in Kiryat Gat marks “a new step toward implementing President Donald Trump’s peace plan.”
According to Hadar, the base functions as a large, fortified military complex hosting hundreds of American officials and soldiers, tasked with monitoring, coordinating, and enforcing Trump’s plan in Gaza.
In an article published by the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth, translated by Arabi21, Hadar explained:
“Alongside them work representatives from European and Arab states — not for Israel’s sake, but to ensure that the plan advances toward its ultimate goal: returning to the path of the two-state solution.”
He noted that several of these participating countries had previously voted at the UN in favour of a Palestinian state, and their involvement in the Kiryat Gat compound also aims to strengthen ties with Trump, who portrays himself as “leader of the free world.”
Declining Israeli Control Over Gaza Affairs
Hadar observed that while the U.S. base in Kiryat Gat operates “intensively and efficiently,” Tel Aviv’s own command structure has weakened considerably.
“The superiority of the American base over Israel’s coordination centres limits Israel’s ability to control the process and shape its national interests,” he wrote.
Although Trump’s administration publicly asserts its “commitment to protecting Israel’s interests,” the current dynamic, in which Israel learns of U.S. plans for Gaza only after they are finalised, has greatly diminished Israeli influence.
Trump’s Team Determined to Enforce the Plan
Hadar added that Trump’s envoys in Israel are determined to press ahead with implementing the plan — and even expand it before the completion of its first stage, which includes the return of captives and bodies.
“Trump’s latest statement about Hamas needing to quickly return the bodies of Americans — or face collective action by the participating states — appears designed to pave the way for the next phase, even before the first is complete,” Hadar wrote.
Hamas Strengthening Despite the Siege
While some Israeli analysts claim Hamas is running out of time, Hadar admits the opposite appears true:
“Hamas is growing stronger and more entrenched,” he said, alleging the movement “seizes hundreds of aid trucks” and shows no urgency to relinquish control over Gaza.
This assessment underscores what many regional observers have already noted: that after years of Israeli siege and bombardment, Hamas has not weakened — instead, it has adapted and restructured, turning Gaza into a symbol of steadfastness despite overwhelming odds.
Calls for an Israeli Strategy Shift
Hadar urged the Israeli government to act proactively rather than reactively, engaging directly with teams at Kiryat Gat to negotiate a joint framework for introducing an alternative administration and potential international forces in southern Gaza.
He specifically called for focusing on Rafah — as the key southern crossing — and Beit Hanoun (Erez) in the north, due to its proximity to Israeli settlements.
To regain leverage, he proposed appointing an experienced Israeli official to represent Tel Aviv at the Kiryat Gat base in the coming months, to restore Israel’s capacity to influence and reshape its interests in the evolving process.
Editorial Context: A Shifting Power Balance
The article reflects a growing sense of Israeli vulnerability — not only against Hamas’ resilience but also against Washington’s increasing dominance in Gaza’s post-war framework.
For Israel’s political and military elite, the “American umbrella” that once guaranteed supremacy has become a source of strategic frustration, as U.S. planners dictate terms while Palestinian resistance movements continue to survive and adapt.
Despite years of collective punishment, Israel has failed to eliminate Hamas or subdue Gaza, and now finds itself caught between U.S. oversight and resistance persistence — a dual pressure that exposes the cracks in its deterrence doctrine.
