The US Air Force is temporarily stationing six fighter jets in Israel at the Nevatim Air Base near Beersheva, the Israeli Air Force confirmed on Monday. They will participate in exercises with the IAF simulating strikes deep in enemy territory.
US Air Force has shifted from basing its aircraft on American bases around the world to dispersing them amongst allied countries.
In 2021, during the final days of his presidency, US President Donald Trump transferred Israel from the US European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to the Central Command (CENTCOM). The move was intended to streamline US-Israeli military cooperation and encourage Israeli and Arab collaboration against Iran.
Israel’s biggest threats — Iran, Hezbollah activities in Syria and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen — are in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.
Photo by Kobi Richter/TPS