US to boost its military presence in Israel, top up Israel's advanced arsenal



A broad-based US plan to fortify Israel’s armed forces against a potential military showdown with Iran has just been approved by President Donald Trump, DEBKAfile reports exclusively from its military and Washington sources. It centers on the expansion of US military units based in Israel and the enhancement of Israel’s military capabilities to withstand a possible Iranian ballistic missile attack. The Israeli Air Force will also receive a large number of Boeing KC-46 refueling tanker craft for lengthening its range of operation and providing more flexibility. President Obama withheld the new tanker craft so as to restrict Israel’s ability to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last week, after meeting President Trump in Washington, that the alliance will not support Israel if it is attacked by Iran. He made a point of avoiding the impression that he subscribed to Trump’s campaign against Iran, so as not to put up the backs of the European members opposed to that campaign.