In a First, US Puts Stealth Fighter Jets in Israel

American warplanes have been stationed on Israeli soil in a way not seen before. The United States has quietly deployed F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Israel, marking the first time Washington has positioned its combat jets there for a potential operation involving Iran, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

The move has not been formally announced by the Trump administration, but footage circulating on social media appears to show the aircraft in Israel. The deployment is intended to help protect Israeli territory and US forces from possible Iranian retaliation if President Trump orders strikes on Tehran’s nuclear or missile infrastructure. It also provides Washington with an additional option for offensive operations.

A US official confirmed the deployment to Associated Press. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula described the decision as significant in remarks to The New York Times. He said the presence of the F-22s suggests preparation for a more assertive posture toward Iran and the possibility of closer operational coordination with Israel. According to Deptula, the move signals that the United States is prepared to act if Iran does not agree to US terms.

The deployment also reflects a shift in US regional posture since the 2020 Abraham Accords, which strengthened Israel’s ties with several Arab states and placed Israel under US Central Command’s area of responsibility. With countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly unwilling to host US aircraft or provide airspace for a strike on Iran, Israel’s air bases offer the Pentagon additional flexibility to disperse high-value assets across the region.

Former officials say the move underscores deepening military cooperation between the United States and Israel. Analysts note that basing advanced aircraft like the F-22 in Israel allows them to operate under the protection of Israel’s layered air- and missile-defense systems, enhancing their security while deployed.