As negotiations between the United States and Iran continue to fluctuate amid intermittent strikes, disputes over the nuclear file, and efforts to prevent further escalation, Israel’s role within the American military footprint in the Middle East is undergoing a significant transformation.
Since February 2026, the number of US military aircraft landing at Israeli airports classified as civilian facilities, including Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport, has increased markedly. The sight of F-22 Raptor fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft is no longer unusual.
According to Hebrew media reports, Washington intends to keep many of these aircraft in Israel until at least the end of 2026 and potentially into 2027. This suggests that the American military presence in the heart of Israel has become an integral part of both deterrence calculations and ongoing negotiations with Iran.
The expansion has created a striking contradiction. Civilian airports have increasingly become operational hubs filled with military transport and refuelling aircraft, with local airline employees reportedly describing the situation as “a terminal inside an American military base”.
What Has Washington Deployed Inside Israel?
The current deployment consists of three main categories of aircraft.
F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets
Satellite images from MizarVision, published by Yedioth Ahronoth, revealed that the United States transferred 11 F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Ovda Air Base in the Negev Desert.
These advanced air superiority aircraft have not officially participated in combat operations, but they enhance aerial dominance and provide Washington with a powerful deterrent capability, as well as potential escort and support functions should military operations against Iran resume.
Aerial Refuelling Aircraft
The deployment initially included nine KC-46A aircraft and five KC-135R refuelling aircraft stationed between Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and Ramon Airport in the occupied south.
According to Army Recognition, the number later increased to more than 30 aircraft during March.
The Financial Times, citing satellite imagery, reported that the number of refuelling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport rose from approximately 36 in early March to 47 after the April ceasefire, before increasing again to 52 by mid-May.
Transport and Support Aircraft
C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft have been observed transporting maintenance crews and military equipment to Ovda Air Base.
Some aircraft were also relocated to Lod Military Base to ease pressure on Ben Gurion Airport.
The heavy military presence has caused Ben Gurion Airport to increasingly resemble a military installation, with military aircraft occupying large sections of available parking positions. This has reportedly resulted in significant delays to civilian flights due to a lack of available space.
Ramon Airport, a smaller facility primarily used for low-cost and tourist flights, has also hosted several refuelling aircraft to reduce congestion around Tel Aviv.
Why Is the US Deploying These Assets in Israel?
The shift from military support to operational partnership appears to be driven by several factors.
Gulf Sensitivities
American military bases in Gulf states operate under greater political and security sensitivities, particularly after Iran warned neighbouring Arab countries against allowing their territory or airspace to be used for military operations against it.
US President Donald Trump stated that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates requested that he postpone a previously planned strike in order to give negotiations an opportunity to succeed.
An Additional Operational Axis
The deployment in Israel provides Washington with an alternative operational hub stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to the Negev Desert.
This reduces American dependence on Gulf bases and airspace, which carry greater political and security complications.
Israel also possesses advanced aviation infrastructure. Ben Gurion Airport features long runways and facilities capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the KC-46A. Its location near the Mediterranean Sea allows aircraft to rapidly deploy towards Iran or the Red Sea.
The presence of F-22 fighters also provides an advanced air cover component for deterrence operations and sends a clear signal to Iran that Washington continues to maintain a military option despite ongoing negotiations.
Political Considerations
The deployment also reflects Washington’s desire to support the Israeli occupation government and demonstrate commitment to the strategic alliance.
As a result, Israel has evolved from being merely a recipient of military assistance into an operational partner within America’s regional military architecture.
Israeli reports indicate that Washington informed Tel Aviv that the aircraft would remain in place until at least the end of 2026 and potentially into 2027.
However, Pentagon sources told The Jerusalem Post that the aircraft could be withdrawn within 72 hours if an agreement is reached with Iran.
This flexibility allows Washington to use the deployment as both a negotiating tool and a source of pressure in discussions with Tehran.
The Costs, Risks, and Consequences
The military buildup has not come without high civilian costs.
The presence of dozens of refuelling aircraft has created severe congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, with passengers reportedly remaining onboard aircraft after landing because parking bays were unavailable.
The chief executive of Israeli airline Arkia described the situation as effectively amounting to a takeover of the airport, while the head of Israir said Ben Gurion had become “a terminal inside an American military base”.
The situation has coincided with the continued suspension or reduction of flights to Tel Aviv by several major international airlines due to security concerns and operational restrictions.
This has reduced flight availability and contributed to rising ticket prices.
At the same time, increased fuel demand and disruptions to global supply chains have driven aviation fuel prices in Israel up by 130 per cent.
According to industry figures, this has added approximately $50 to short-haul flights and between $400 and $500 to long-haul flights.
Israeli aviation officials have described the current season as “the most expensive summer in the history of Israeli aviation”.
Security concerns extend beyond economic costs.
The transformation of civilian airports into operational military hubs increases the risk that they could be viewed as part of the military infrastructure during any future regional escalation.
Israeli Civil Aviation Authority Director Shmuel Zakai warned that Israel effectively no longer possesses a fully functioning international airport under current conditions.
There are also growing concerns that continued military positioning could lead insurance companies to raise premiums or reassess risk classifications, potentially harming tourism and placing additional pressure on the wider economy.
