US-Iran Conflict: Amid the looming threat of war with Iran, the United States has made a big move. Washington has assembled a fleet of aircraft and warships across the Middle East as tensions escalate. Marking a significant shift, the deployment also includes combat aircraft positioned in Israel for a wartime crisis.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the US has deployed advanced Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Israeli air bases. The move is expected to strengthen US capabilities to defend Israeli territory and American troops against possible Iranian retaliation in the near future. The development has drawn attention, as for decades, Washington avoided permanently stationing offensive combat aircraft in Israel.

The positioning of the F-22 Raptors in Israel marks the first time the US Air Force's premier stealth fighters have been stationed there for what officials describe as a potential wartime contingency involving Iran.

Why US Deployed Jets In Israel?

Traditionally, the US has deployed its forces to bases such as Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during periods of regional conflict. However, the current deployment comes amid reports that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have refused to allow their airspace to be used for operations. This has limited Washington's options for positioning aircraft required for a major operation.

According to The Times of Israel, citing open-source flight tracking data, the stealth fighters were reportedly spotted taking off from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom on February 24 before flying to Israel. The F-22 Raptors have been reportedly deployed at Ovda Air Force Base.

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All About F-22 Raptor Fighter Jets:

The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force, is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft. Widely regarded as the world's premier air superiority fighter, it is capable of air-to-air dominance, precision strikes, and escort missions for bombers.

Meanwhile, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, the US on Friday authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and family members from Israel due to security concerns. The US Embassy in Jerusalem did not specify the precise risks prompting the "authorised departure," which allows eligible personnel to decide whether to leave.

The US has built up one of its largest military deployments in the Middle East as it continues negotiations with Iran over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. The latest round of talks concluded on Thursday without a breakthrough. Iran has warned that it would strike American bases in the region if attacked, and any escalation could also draw in Israel.

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