US Deploys F-22 Stealth Jets to Israel for First Time Amid Rising Iran Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East surrounding Iran, the United States has deployed its advanced F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to an Israeli airbase for the first time in history, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The report said the aircraft were positioned to help protect Israeli territory and US forces stationed there from potential retaliatory strikes by Iran.

Former senior US official Dennis Ross described the move as unprecedented, noting that this marks the first time American fighter jets have operated directly from an Israeli base.

Analysts say Washington’s options were limited after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly declined to allow the use of their airspace or bases for such operations. Former US diplomat Elliott Abrams said the decision reflects deepening US-Israel military cooperation as well as reluctance from some regional partners.

Flight tracking data indicated that the stealth jets departed on February 24 from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom before arriving in Israel.

For years, the United States refrained from permanently stationing offensive combat aircraft in Israel in order to avoid escalating regional tensions. However, following the Abraham Accords, Israel was moved in 2021 from the oversight of US European Command to US Central Command, significantly strengthening operational coordination between the two allies.

The deployment comes as Washington and Tehran continue discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. On Thursday, the two sides held a third round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, mediated by Oman.

Ahead of the talks, President Donald Trump told Congress that Iran is developing long-range missiles that could potentially strike US territory in the future.

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said both sides exchanged “constructive proposals” during the Geneva discussions.

Analysts suggest that the deployment of American stealth fighter jets to Israel signals the possibility of heightened military confrontation in the Middle East. While diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, observers note that the regional situation appears to be evolving rapidly.