 "Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: File/Reuters")
Israel is preparing to invite the United States to relocate some of its military bases in the Middle East to Israeli territory and to establish new bases in the country after the current war concludes, according to a report by Channel 12 citing unnamed security sources.
To reshape US military in the region
The proposal reflects what Israeli officials see as a strategic opportunity to reshape the US military footprint in the region.
With American forces already operating across multiple West Asian locations, Israel’s security establishment believes the evolving conflict dynamics present a window to reposition assets in a way that strengthens both countries’ security interests.
The report suggests that Israeli planners view a deeper, more permanent US military presence as mutually beneficial.
“We have proved our values of late as a central ally of the United States — one that provides not only stability, but also significant operational and intelligence capabilities,” an Israeli source was quoted as saying. “American bases in Israel would create a strategic advantage for both sides.”
Heightened tensions in West Asia
The idea comes amid heightened regional tensions and shifting alliances, with ongoing conflicts prompting a reassessment of long-standing military deployments.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of preparing for a potential ground offensive, despite ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the war on Sunday.
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Israel’s parliament has approved the 2026 budget early Monday, which aims to provide a significant increase in military spending.
The approval of the defence-heavy 699-billion shekel budget comes after the West Asia crisis has entered in the second month, with Israel also fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon and its cost to the economy standing at about $1.6 billion a week.