Hundreds of US troops arrive in Israel as military presence expands

Thousands of American troops have reportedly been deployed to allied bases across the Middle East.

By World Israel News Staff

As tensions surrounding Iran continue to escalate and diplomatic efforts unfold alongside a growing military posture in the region, new details are emerging about the scale of the American deployment in Israel.

According to a report by Walla, a significant increase in U.S. military personnel has been recorded over the past week, with hundreds of American troops arriving in Israel as part of a broader reinforcement effort.

While public attention initially focused on the arrival of F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets at Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, defense sources say the aircraft represent only one element of a wider deployment.

The broader buildup includes maintenance crews, logistics units, intelligence teams, and specialists responsible for advanced defense and monitoring systems.

The F-22, one of the most advanced fighter platforms in the U.S. arsenal and operated exclusively by American forces, arrived earlier this week as part of the expanded presence.

However, officials cited in the report stressed that the primary objective centers on strengthening operational coordination and readiness through additional personnel and supporting capabilities working alongside Israeli forces.

The buildup follows a decision by the U.S. military in recent weeks to significantly expand its regional footprint.

Thousands of American troops have reportedly been deployed to allied bases across the Middle East, including Jordan and Qatar, while U.S. aircraft carrier groups have increased their presence in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sources said many of the arriving personnel specialize in advanced weapons systems, air defense coordination, and surveillance and control technologies.

Military officials described the activity as part of longstanding operational cooperation between the United States and Israel.

The partnership is built on years of joint exercises and intensified coordination over the past two years, particularly following Operation Rising Lion and amid current contingency planning related to Iran.

Earlier in the week, a senior U.S. Central Command official confirmed that a squadron of F-22 stealth fighters had transited from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom to Ovda Airbase.

The aircraft were supported by KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft and are part of Washington’s expanding military posture amid rising concerns over potential escalation.

On Thursday, satellite imagery provided additional visual confirmation of the deployment. According to Kan News, Chinese satellite services company MizarVision released images showing 11 F-22 aircraft positioned inside Ovda Airbase.

The images also revealed a U.S. Patriot air defense battery deployed outside the installation, indicating additional protective measures surrounding the American presence.

The images offer a rare public glimpse of the expanding U.S. military footprint in Israel as coordination between the two allies deepens against the backdrop of growing regional uncertainty.