US Builds $1.5 Billion Israeli Airbases, Military Facilities

The United States is investing over $1.5 billion in constructing and upgrading Israeli military infrastructure, funded entirely through American military aid, which totals $3.8 billion annually plus supplemental aid since October 2023. Projects include building facilities for new Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft, CH-53K helicopters, and new headquarters for Israel's elite naval commando unit, Shayetet 13, as well as ammunition storage and airbase runways. These initiatives are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with many contracts awarded to American firms but subcontracted to Israeli companies. The scale and secrecy of the construction effort underscore a deep, long-term U.S. military entrenchment in Israel amid ongoing regional conflicts. The aid and construction have drawn criticism from various U.S. political factions advocating for a foreign policy shift towards domestic priorities and questioning continued support amid Israel's war actions in Gaza. This extensive support also includes funding for expanded squadrons of F-15IA and F-35 fighter jets and infrastructure improvements at key Israeli airbases.