Israel Prepares to Offer U.S. Military Bases on Its Soil

Channel 12 reports Jerusalem aims to shift parts of America’s regional footprint to Israel after recent attacks on U.S. bases across the Gulf

Israel is preparing to propose that the United States establish military bases on its territory, according to a Channel 12 report published Monday. The proposal, currently being formulated within Israel’s security establishment, is expected to be raised in future security talks between Jerusalem and Washington once the current fighting ends.

The move comes as U.S. military positions across the Middle East face growing pressure. Recent attacks on American bases in Gulf states, including an Iranian strike that wounded U.S. personnel, have fueled discussions in Washington about potentially reducing or relocating some regional deployments, particularly in countries like Iraq and Kuwait.

Israeli officials see an opportunity to reshape the map of American military presence in the region. “We have recently proven our value as a central ally of the United States, one that provides it not only with stability, but also significant operational and intelligence capabilities,” a security source said. The same official added that “American bases in Israel could create a strategic advantage for both sides.”

According to the report, the proposal could involve relocating existing U.S. bases from elsewhere in the Middle East to Israel, as well as constructing new facilities. However, no specific locations in Israel have been identified, and it remains unclear whether the bases would be permanent installations, temporary deployments, or logistical hubs.

The United States already maintains a military presence in Israel, including a permanent air defense facility established in 2017 in the Negev, suggesting the current discussions may focus on expanding an existing framework rather than creating one from scratch.