Why did the US withdraw 10 F-22 stealth fighter jets from Israel? Here’s what’s behind the move

Despite ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, American forces withdrew 10 advanced F-22 stealth fighter jets from Israel's Nevatim and Ovda airbases in southern Israel on Saturday morning. The jets have been flown back to the United Kingdom and the United States, and are now stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK. According to media reports, footage posted on social media shows the aircraft landing at the British airbase. Several reasons are being cited for the withdrawal of these jets from Israel. Here's a look at those reasons.

Part of a strategic US military redeployment

According to media reports, the move is being described as part of the strategic redeployment of American military forces around the world, although there appears to be more to the story. The Trump administration is reportedly considering lifting the freeze on the sale of American F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Israeli officials are strongly opposed to the possibility of jets being sold to Turkey, arguing that it would threaten the regional balance of power and Israel's air superiority.

America reportedly feels less need for the aircraft

One reason cited is that differences have emerged between the American administration and Israel's Netanyahu government over certain Middle East policies, which may explain why the US has begun withdrawing its aircraft and shifting away from an aggressive wartime military posture towards a more peaceful approach.

No immediate need for the additional aircraft

Another factor is that these jets were primarily deployed to assist Israel's security and operations during the recent conflict with Iran. With the ceasefire with Iran in place and tensions easing, the additional aircraft were no longer seen as immediately necessary.

Terminal freed up for civilian use

It has also been suggested that, with tourism resuming, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and civil aviation officials have freed Israel's Ben Gurion Airport — used by ordinary civilian travellers — from American military support operations, in order to ease congestion, allowing the terminal to be used for civilian travel once again.

Reduced military presence to advance lasting peace process

The US and Iran reached an agreement in June, brokered by Washington, aimed at reducing military presence in the region to advance a lasting peace process between the two nations. The withdrawal of these aircraft is also seen as compliance with that agreement.

Geopolitical situation remains delicate

The withdrawal of these American jets from Israel comes at a time when the geopolitical situation remains delicate. Amid efforts to ease tensions with Iran, the number of additional aircraft was significantly reduced in June. Meanwhile, political tension in defence ties between Washington and Jerusalem over Turkey is also being seen as a factor behind the withdrawal of American jets from Israel.

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Tags: US Israel Iran War, F-22 stealth fighter jets, US withdraws fighter jets, US Israel relations, Nevatim airbase, RAF Fairford, Iran ceasefire, US Turkey F-35 deal

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