The sprawling American command center outside Kiryat Gat has unleashed an unexpected cultural transformation across the southern Israeli city, where hundreds of US service members navigate local dating apps, converse in English at falafel stands, and crowd shopping malls – even as the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement they came to monitor shows signs of collapse and their actual mission remains unclear.
The American headquarters in Kiryat Gat, which the US military defines as a Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel, was established to oversee implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. But while the agreement seems to be teetering, the impact of the foreign soldiers' presence – predominantly Americans – is already being felt throughout the city.
The headquarters is new and being set up at a rapid and impressive rate. The desire of their leaders to monitor developments closely explains the arrival of some many at the site. However, at this early phase, the crowds of soldiers, officers, and civilians still don't precisely know their purpose. Until Secretary of State Marco Rubio's arrival, they didn't even bother sitting at their computer workstations, and only when they approached the desks did someone issue an instruction to sit in chairs to create an appearance of "quiet, working."
The hundreds of people who arrived to serve at the facility still don't understand their role, for the straightforward reason that everything remains in organizational phases. Nobody possesses plans yet, not even vague ones, regarding future direction. They only have good intentions.
The American base established near Kiryat Gat introduces a new category of people distinct from the local environment. Beyond the delivery companies benefiting from new and hungry clients, dating apps are also suddenly displaying intriguing profiles of men and women in numbered uniforms who are interested in integrating and mingling with the Israeli public.
Restaurants throughout the city are also experiencing the shift. "They're very polite, not like Israelis," said Sheriel Drobitzky, who owns Cafe Plugot and the Geronimo hamburger restaurant in the city. "They love the food, come in groups and take over a table. The cafe also has cheeseburgers, which is different from other restaurants in the area."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to visit the American headquarters in Kiryat Gat Wednesday evening for the first time. The new base, anticipated to remain here for the next five years, is transforming the character of Kiryat Gat – complete details in the full article this weekend.
