The United States has begun withdrawing the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter squadron that was stationed in Israel for five months, operating from Ovda Airbase and participating in strikes against Iran alongside the Israeli Air Force, according to reports.
The United States has begun withdrawing the full F-22 Raptor stealth fighter squadron that had been stationed at Ovda Airbase in southern Israel for five months, according to reports. The departure continues a development first reported by The Zioneer at 13:45 Jerusalem this afternoon, when 12 F-22s were seen departing the base en route to the United States via RAF Fairford in the UK. The new confirmation identifies the squadron as having been deployed for five months and participating in joint strikes against Iran alongside the Israeli Air Force.
The initial report, based on American media and Israeli journalist Nir Dvori (N12), noted that the departure was the first withdrawal of US fighter jets from Israel since the joint Operation Roaring Lion in February 2026. The latest accounts add that the squadron operated from Ovda Airbase throughout its deployment and took part in multiple strikes on Iranian targets. The source quality remains consistent—media reports, no official US or Israeli confirmation.
The withdrawal comes amid a broader pattern of US force redeployment in the region. As The Zioneer reported on July 2, the US Air Force was returning all B-52 bombers from Britain to the United States. On July 8, the US was also returning aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East and Israel after a fire exchange with Iran. The Zioneer has also covered extensive US strikes on Iran, including a new wave on June 11 and retaliatory strikes on June 10.
It remains unclear whether the F-22 withdrawal is a complete redeployment or a rotational move, and whether it signals a de-escalation of US-Iran hostilities or a shift in operational priorities. No official confirmation from US Central Command or the Pentagon has been issued.
6 developments
- DevelopingUS Air Force returning all B-52 bombers from Britain to US, reports say
- DevelopingUS refueling aircraft take off from Israel, security analyst reports
- StrongSatellite images show US tankers returning to Qatar base, suggesting no imminent military action
- Developing15 US refueling aircraft leave Ben Gurion, transfer to regional bases
Source and signal
- Internal intake