• The United States is moving forward with plans to fund more than $1 billion in new military construction projects in Israel, including air bases, refueling sites, and elite commando headquarters, according to documents and reports from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Haaretz.

TEL AVIV, Israel (TDR) — The U.S. government is preparing to invest over $1 billion in new military facilities across Israel, according to Haaretz and official presentations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The planned facilities include infrastructure to support KC-46 refueling aircraft, CH-53 helicopters, new ammunition storage depots, and an upgraded base for Shayetet 13, Israel’s naval commando unit.

“These are essential upgrades for regional readiness and interoperability,” a spokesperson for the Corps said during a recent presentation.

Ongoing construction, valued at around $250 million, is part of a larger expansion that could exceed $1.5 billion. All costs will be covered by U.S. foreign military aid.

Aid Surge Since October 2023

Israel receives $3.8 billion annually in U.S. defense aid, but funding has significantly increased since October 7, 2023 — the date of the Hamas-led attack. The Costs of War Project at Brown University estimates that the U.S. approved at least $17.9 billion in new aid between October 2023 and October 2024 to support operations in Gaza and elsewhere.

This includes support for a U.S.-led air campaign against Houthi forces in Yemen and a 12-day conflict against Iran in 2025. That operation alone cost an estimated $1.25 billion in THAAD interceptor systems.

Strategic Justification and Local Debate

U.S. defense officials argue the investment supports national security and strengthens regional partnerships.

“This is not just about infrastructure. It’s about ensuring American military readiness in the Middle East,” one senior official said.

However, some critics question whether long-term military infrastructure in Israel is the best use of U.S. taxpayer funds, especially amid regional instability.

The Haaretz report notes that funding comes from Foreign Military Financing (FMF), the U.S. government’s primary vehicle for supporting foreign military purchases and infrastructure.

Construction Timeline and Oversight

U.S. Army engineers will continue coordinating with Israel’s Ministry of Defense to implement the projects. While exact timelines remain under discussion, officials say several facilities could break ground by early 2026.

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