US Deploys F-22s and Military Fuel-Refueling Aircraft in Israel

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/US Air Force

JAKARTA - The United States has deployed F-22 fighter jets and dozens of refueling planes at various military facilities and airports in Israel.

According to Israeli media, this activity is described as an unprecedented military activity.

Israel's public broadcaster KAN, citing Israeli security sources, said Washington would maintain the deployment at least until the end of this year, in addition to US military forces already stationed across the Middle East.

The broadcaster said satellite imagery analyzed over the past few months showed an unprecedented deployment of US fighter jets and refueling aircraft in Israeli territory.

The analysis covers the period since the start of Israel's attack on Iran on February 28 until last week.

According to the report, the F-22 fighter jets are stationed at Ovda Air Base, southern Israel; while dozens of US refueling planes are at Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport.

It was also stated that the planes were spread out in several locations and were not expected to be withdrawn for the time being. The Israeli media reported that the deployment raised concerns about its impact on civilian flights and the capacity of local airports.

Previously, the Israeli Channel 12 media reported that dozens of US-owned firefighting planes at Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport had affected airport operations and air ticket prices.

The head of the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, Shmuel Zakaim, warned that Ben Gurion Airport was being operated like a military base, not a civilian airport.

The report also warned that continued deployment could complicate Israel's summer travel season and hinder foreign airlines from adding flights.

The unusual large-scale deployment by the US in Israel has remained in place since a ceasefire with Iran came into effect last month.