U.S. Tightens Oversight of Israeli Operations in Gaza - tensions rise over sovereignty moves

The United States has informed Israel that it expects prior notification before any unusual military activity or airstrike in the Gaza Strip, according to senior Israeli security sources. While American officials have stopped short of demanding direct approval for every operation, they have made it clear to Jerusalem that further surprises endangering the fragile ceasefire will not be tolerated.

The policy shift reflects a broader change in the Trump administration’s approach toward the Netanyahu government, following the failed Israeli assassination attempt on Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9. Since that incident, Washington has ramped up diplomatic pressure on Israel to finalize the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement.

Washington’s Growing Frustration

This week, the U.S. inaugurated a military coordination headquarters in Kiryat Gat, staffed by approximately 200 American officers and soldiers. The base will help coordinate ongoing military actions in Gaza and mirrors the size of the U.S. deployment that arrived in Israel last year for the ill-fated humanitarian pier project off Gaza’s coast.

Israeli security officials privately admit that American involvement has deepened to an unprecedented level, effectively curbing Israel’s autonomy in matters of security and foreign policy.

“The Americans are practically overseeing every major step,” said one senior source. “It’s close to direct supervision.”

The shift in U.S. posture comes after two IDF soldiers from the Nahal Brigade were killed this week in clashes with Hamas militants inside Israeli-controlled territory east of Rafah, an incident that raised fears in Washington of renewed escalation.

Trump: “Israel Won’t Do Anything in the West Bank”

In comments published Thursday by Time magazine, President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over Israeli sovereignty initiatives in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).

“The West Bank? Don’t worry about the West Bank,” Trump said. “Israel won’t do anything with the West Bank, okay? Don’t worry about it. Israel is behaving very nicely.”

The remarks, reportedly reiterated during a live exchange with a French journalist later that day, were interpreted in Jerusalem as a clear signal for restraint amid growing pressure from Washington.

Internal Coalition Friction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly told ministers to “rise to the occasion and show restraint,” faces quiet dissatisfaction within his right-wing bloc.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—who continue to view Hamas disarmament as the coalition’s red line—have nonetheless refrained from open confrontation. “They understand there’s nothing they can do right now,” a political source told Maariv.

Some senior figures in the coalition criticized Netanyahu’s failure to advance sovereignty measures earlier in the year, claiming he “wasted time” between the end of the Iran conflict and the Qatar strike. “He could have done it with Trump’s support,” one official said.

Still, most on the right acknowledge that the current agreement and U.S. pressure leave them with limited room to maneuver.

U.S. Message: Don’t Undermine the Ceasefire

According to a Politico report, frustration within the White House has grown in response to Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday and annexation-related proposals raised in the Knesset.

During his visit to Jerusalem on Wednesday, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered what U.S. sources described as a “firm message” from President Trump, urging Netanyahu to prevent any steps that could jeopardize the ceasefire or the hostage deal.

Netanyahu Orders Halt to Sovereignty Votes

Reflecting the mounting American pressure, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz confirmed Thursday that the Prime Minister had instructed him not to advance any proposals on applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria “until further notice.”

This pause follows Trump’s own emphatic comments, signaling that the administration expects discipline and coordination from Israel during the sensitive post-war transition.