The United States has deployed F-22 fighter jets and dozens of refueling aircraft across Israeli military and civilian airports in an unprecedented military buildup, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.
Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, citing security sources, revealed that Washington intends to maintain this high-profile presence until at least the end of the year. This is in addition to regular US forces already stationed across the wider Middle East.
Recent satellite imagery confirms a massive deployment of US aircraft inside Israel. The buildup began around February 28—coinciding with Israeli strikes on Iran—and has remained completely intact despite a ceasefire taking effect between the two nations last month.
According to the reports, the advanced F-22 stealth fighters are based at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. Meanwhile, dozens of US aerial tankers are stationed at major hubs, including Ramon Airport and Ben Gurion International Airport.
However, using commercial infrastructure for military purposes is triggering domestic backlash. Shmuel Zakai, head of Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority, warned that Ben Gurion is currently being operated "as a military base rather than a civilian airport."
Local broadcasters note that the military flight volume is already disrupting commercial flight schedules, driving up airline ticket prices, and threatening to derail the busy summer travel season as foreign airlines hesitate to expand flights.
