Exclusive: Gabbard Visits US-Israel Military Coordination Center Amid Trump Peace Initiative

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard made an unannounced visit to the U.S.-operated Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel this week, observing firsthand the multinational effort behind phase two of the Trump-brokered ceasefire agreement.

“It’s a living example of what can happen when nations unite for common interests with the potential impact of lasting peace that benefits generations to come,” Gabbard told Fox News during her November 3rd visit. The DNI’s trip underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring intelligence coordination remains a cornerstone of the ceasefire implementation.

The CMCC serves as the operational hub for stabilization efforts inside Gaza and will coordinate the humanitarian and security assistance that forms a critical component of the broader Trump administration peace plan. According to Gabbard, 16 countries and 20 non-governmental organizations are currently collaborating as part of this civilian-military initiative.

“For the first time in a generation, there’s a genuine sense of hope and optimism, not just in Israel, but across the Middle East,” said Gabbard, attributing this momentum to “President Trump’s leadership and the groundwork he laid through his historic peace deal.”

Intelligence sharing has emerged as a vital element in maintaining the ceasefire, which explains Gabbard’s decision to assess operations personally. Approximately 200 U.S. service members are currently stationed at the CMCC, though American forces will not enter Gaza itself. Instead, a coalition of forces from Arab countries will deploy stabilization personnel into the enclave to implement the administration’s peace framework.

“The American people should know that the U.S. presence at the CMCC is about leadership, coordination, and service,” Gabbard emphasized.

During her regional tour, Gabbard also visited the Kerem Shalom Crossing along the Gaza border, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid. Her diplomatic engagements extended beyond Israel, as she met with officials in Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

“In conversations I had with leaders from across the region, including in Manama, people spoke openly and hopefully about a future defined not by conflict, but by cooperation and stability,” she said. “Progress is possible with strong leadership and a shared vision for peace.”

The DNI’s visit follows similar high-profile diplomatic missions to Israel by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. This coordinated diplomatic effort reflects the administration’s all-hands-on-deck approach to ensuring the ceasefire’s success.

The peace plan represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration, which has prioritized Middle East stability since returning to office. Regional experts note that securing buy-in from Arab nations has been particularly crucial to the plan’s initial success. Their willingness to provide stabilization forces marks a new chapter in regional security cooperation.

Humanitarian organizations have cautiously welcomed the ceasefire and coordination center, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained aid delivery to Gaza’s civilian population, which has endured severe hardships throughout the conflict.

“This is a challenging mission which requires clear communication, coordination and transparency,” Gabbard concluded. “Intelligence supports not only security, and achieving lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

The CMCC’s work comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase will determine whether the fragile peace can evolve into a more durable arrangement. The unprecedented level of international coordination through the center represents one of the most significant multinational peace-building efforts in the Middle East in decades.

As stabilization efforts progress, officials acknowledge that maintaining momentum will require ongoing diplomatic engagement and intelligence cooperation among the diverse coalition of nations now committed to supporting peace in the region.