Israel is set to invite the United States (US) to relocate existing regional military bases to Israeli territory and establish new installations once the current conflict concludes.
Citing unnamed security sources, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Israeli security establishment views the current presence of US forces as an opportunity to “reshape the map” of American military positioning in the Middle East.
“We have proved our values of late as a central ally of the US. One that provides not only stability, but also significant operational and intelligence capabilities,” an Israeli source was quoted.
The source added that “American bases in Israel would create a strategic advantage for both sides”.
This development follows an escalation in direct hostilities between Israel and Iran. In the northern city of Haifa, Israeli television networks, including Channel 12, broadcast footage of thick black smoke rising from an oil refinery.
The impact occurred shortly after the military detected a new salvo of missiles fired from Iran. While the specific cause of the refinery strike was not initially confirmed, search and rescue teams were dispatched to the site.
The Israeli military has also provided data regarding its personnel, claiming that 261 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war with Iran. A death toll for soldiers has not been released.
On the Iranian side, officials confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri. According to Reuters, Tangsiri died following injuries sustained in what Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described as a “precise and lethal operation” conducted on March 26.
In response to strikes on residences within Iran, a military spokesperson for Tehran announced that Iran will begin bombing the official residences of US and Israeli military commanders.