Image: from Kent X @kent_dr_francis
By Open Chronicle with agencies
The United States has significantly expanded its military presence in Israel, deploying advanced F-22 fighter jets and dozens of aerial refueling aircraft across multiple military facilities and airports, according to Israeli media reports and security sources.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Washington intends to maintain the deployment at least through the end of 2026, even after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect last month.
The report described the scale of the American deployment as unprecedented, with satellite imagery reportedly showing a substantial concentration of US military aircraft spread across Israeli territory since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran on February 28.
According to the broadcaster, F-22 stealth fighter jets have been stationed at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, while dozens of US refueling aircraft have been deployed at Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport.
Photos published today by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) show an F-22 Raptor with the U.S. Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing, based out of Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, performing an aerial-refueling over an undisclosed location in the Middle East, alongside a KC-135T Stratotanker… pic.twitter.com/IxPqWGrNOa
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 27, 2026
Israeli security officials cited in the report said the aircraft are dispersed across several locations and are not expected to leave in the near future.
The growing American military footprint reflects continuing instability across the Middle East despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The deployment also underscores the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel during a period marked by uncertainty over Iran, Lebanon, and the broader regional security environment.
KAN reported that the deployment has created operational concerns for Israel’s civilian aviation sector.
Israel’s Channel 12 previously stated that the presence of large numbers of military aircraft at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports has already begun affecting airport operations, passenger traffic, and airline ticket prices.
Civil Aviation Authority Director Shmuel Zakai reportedly warned that Ben Gurion Airport is increasingly functioning “as a military base rather than a civilian airport.”
Industry analysts have also expressed concern that continued military activity at civilian airports could complicate Israel’s busy summer travel season and discourage international airlines from increasing flights to the country.
The US military buildup has remained in place even after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, suggesting that Washington is preparing for the possibility of renewed instability or a prolonged regional security mission.
The deployment comes as negotiations between the United States and Iran continue over a potential broader agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and regional de-escalation.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where clashes involving Hezbollah continue despite diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding further.
Military analysts say the deployment of F-22 aircraft, among the most advanced fighter jets in the US arsenal, sends a strong strategic signal to both Iran and other regional actors about Washington’s continued commitment to military deterrence in the Middle East.