President Donald Trump Orders U.S. Troops to Israel to Assist Enforcement of Ceasefire in First Phase of Peace Plan
By Jeff Devine
The United States is deploying around 200 troops to Israel to assist in overseeing and supporting the new ceasefire agreement in Gaza, U.S. officials confirmed Thursday. The deployment will be part of a multinational team that includes partner nations, nongovernmental organizations, and private-sector participants.
Officials confirmed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will establish a “civil-military coordination center” in Israel. The center will coordinate humanitarian aid and provide logistical and security assistance to Gaza, a region devastated and currently experiencing famine after two years of war.
The announcement gives the first clear look at how the ceasefire will be monitored and confirms that the U.S. military will play a key supporting role. The agreement between Israel and Hamas represents the first phase of the Trump administration’s peace initiative, but questions remain about Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the establishment of a future civilian government in Gaza.
One U.S. official explained that the team will oversee implementation of the ceasefire and help guide Gaza’s transition to civilian governance. The coordination center will be staffed by roughly 200 U.S. service members with expertise in engineering, transportation, logistics, planning, and security. Officials stressed that no American troops will enter Gaza itself under the current plan.
A second official noted that the troops will come from U.S. Central Command, which maintains forces throughout the Middle East and beyond. Some have already begun arriving in Israel, with others expected to follow over the weekend to begin setting up the center.
According to additional senior U.S. officials, troops from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will join the American troops as part of a multinational team that will work closely with Israeli defense forces. The exact location of the coordination center is still being determined.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump praised Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, for his leadership in the peace process. “Cooper — I hear he’s been fantastic,” Trump said, commending his coordination with special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Cooper joined negotiations in Egypt earlier this week, where he assured Arab nations that the U.S. would firmly stand behind its commitments — assurances that were relayed to Hamas. He also said he could have a command post operational within two and a half weeks.
The ceasefire deal, which Trump announced Wednesday on his social media platform, follows months of diplomatic pressure from the United States and regional partners urging both sides to end a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, triggered broader unrest, and left Israel increasingly isolated. The first phase of the agreement calls for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
While there is support for the plan from both sides of the political spectrum, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about sending American forces into such a volatile area that has been ravaged by war. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia criticized the decision, characterizing it as “horrible judgement.” Others, mostly democratic lawmakers, have expressed the desire to cut aid to Israel until restrictions on force being used in Gaza are in place.
Meanwhile, the announcement of the peace plan drew praise from several of Alabama’s top political leaders.
Sen. Katie Britt called the peace plan “an incredible first step to end this conflict” and described Trump as “the President of Peace.” She added that the agreement represented a rare moment of hope in a region long plagued by violence.
Governor Kay Ivey also applauded the development, resharing Trump’s announcement on social media with a brief but heartfelt message: “Blessed are the peacemakers!”
Their remarks reflect widespread approval among Alabama’s congressional delegation, many of whom have publicly praised the ceasefire deal as a meaningful step toward lasting stability in the Middle East.
Alabama Leaders have not issued any statements about Trump’s decision to send American troops into Israel. The Dale County Chronicle has reached out to the following leaders for comment: Governor Ivey, Senators Britt and Tuberville, and Rep. Barry Moore. We will provide updates once we receive more information.
