In the past 24 hours, following Israel’s elections, the United States has begun an airlift to Israel and other parts of the Middle East - a movement reminiscent of the days leading up to Operation “Roaring Lion.” At least 10 U.S. military transport aircraft have landed at Ovda and Nevatim air bases in southern Israel.

Some of the aircraft arrived from Fort Bliss, Texas, home to a major U.S. air defense hub. Their arrival could indicate efforts to replenish Israel’s interceptor stocks and potentially deploy additional air defense batteries, such as Patriot systems.

The airlift also includes transport aircraft that have landed in recent hours at bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.