US Preparing to Boost Military Presence in Israel; Israeli Sources Call It Routine

WASHINGTON/TEL AVIvIsraeli media report that preparations are under way to send additional US troops and aircraft to Israel over the next few weeks, citing the possibility of a new conflict in the Middle East. About 3,000 US troops are currently stationed in Israel.
The Israeli website Walla, citing security sources, said the personnel perform a range of duties, including operating air defence systems, and include pilots, support staff, logistics units and command-and-staff officers. The report said the US military has been rotating its forces in Israel in recent weeks, and part of the movement is routine replacement as deployments end. Sources, however, told the site that more US troops and military aircraft will arrive in the coming weeks as part of preparations to deal with a possible regional escalation.
The report cited fears of a fresh US-Israeli confrontation with Iran as a reason for the buildup. Israeli reports say US economic sanctions are increasing pressure on Tehran. A senior Israeli security official told Walla that Israel’s adversaries are watching elections in Israel and the US, and are weighing options to influence Israel’s domestic scene without triggering a wider conflict. The report added that the Israeli military is preparing to escalate a confrontation with Iran and could carry out several strikes on Iranian facilities. The Israeli military and US Central Command (CENTCOM) are coordinating closely in case Iran fires missiles at Israel or Jordan.
Joint operational planning reportedly focuses on striking targets inside Iran in response if ballistic missiles are fired again from Tehran. The buildup follows diplomatic signals from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who reiterated in Tehran that Iran is open to diplomatic arrangements.
In late September, Tehran conveyed seven conditions to Washington for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which President Trump rejected. Israeli security officials assess that the ongoing fighting against the Houthis in Yemen could change the Gulf security partnership equation, pointing to growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. One senior official warned that regional countries that do not confront Houthi forces immediately could later come under attack.