The Israeli Broadcasting Authority has revealed an unprecedented American military deployment across Israeli airbases and airports, including a squadron of advanced F-22 fighter jets and dozens of aerial refuelling aircraft, amid Washington’s reported intention to maintain these forces in Israel until at least the end of the current year.
The development comes days after Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Washington had requested Tel Aviv to keep dozens of US aerial refuelling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel until the end of the year.
According to the channel, the large number of American refuelling aircraft positioned at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports is already affecting airport operations and contributing to increased flight ticket prices, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
The report also disclosed that Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority chief, Shmuel Zakay, sent a letter to Transport Minister Miri Regev warning that “Ben Gurion is being managed as a military base rather than a civilian airport.”
Channel 12 further warned that unless these aircraft are removed in the near future, Israel could face a severe aviation crisis during the summer period. The continued military presence may prevent foreign airlines from increasing flights to Israel or expanding the number of active routes operating into the country.
On Tuesday, Israel’s state broadcaster stated that Israeli security sources confirmed the United States had expressed a desire to maintain its forces inside Israel, in addition to the American military presence already spread across the Middle East for years.
The broadcaster added that an analysis of satellite imagery captured since the beginning of Operation Rising Lion, referring to the aggression against Iran launched on 28 February, through to the last week, revealed an unprecedented deployment of American fighter aircraft and refuelling planes across Israel.
It noted that all satellite images were obtained through a civilian satellite.
According to the report, satellite imagery showed an expanded section in the north western area of Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, where a squadron of American F-22 fighter jets had been deployed. At Ben Gurion Airport, dozens of aerial refuelling aircraft could be seen spread across three separate zones.
At Ramon Airport near Eilat in southern Israel, additional American refuelling aircraft were reportedly observed waiting in parking areas.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority stated that the presence of these dozens of aircraft at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports is having a major impact on civilian aviation operations and significantly affecting the capacity of both airports.
It added that there are currently no expectations for the withdrawal of the refuelling aircraft from Israel at this stage.
The broadcaster also noted that since the ceasefire with Iran began last month, the American military deployment inside Israel has not changed at all.
Pakistan is currently leading mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran to end the war that began on 28 February following attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, before a temporary ceasefire was reached on 8 April.
