Watch Webinar – Third Carrier in the Middle East: F-22s at Israeli Base
Click here to read a transcript.
The United States has sent F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Israel’s Ovda Air Base, the first ever deployment of U.S. combat aircraft to Israel, marking a historic expansion of U.S.-Israel military cooperation.
In its September 2025 report, Base for Success, JINSA was the first and only organization to recommend U.S. basing options in Israel specifically at Ovda. It offers unique ability to support U.S. offensive operations against Iran—advantages not available at other U.S. bases in the broader Middle East—enhances U.S. operational flexibility, and sends a clear signal about U.S. resolve and the depth of U.S.-Israel defense integration.
To discuss the strategic significance of the United States deploying F-22s to Ovda, JINSA hosted an exclusive webinar featuring Lt Gen (ret.) Joseph Guastella, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, U.S. Air Force; Lt Gen (ret.) Charles Moore, former Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; IDF MG (ret.) Amikam Norkin, JINSA Distinguished Fellow and former Commander, Israeli Air Force.
The discussion was moderated by JINSA Fellow for American Strategy Jonathan Ruhe.
Lt Gen Joseph Guastella Lt Gen Joseph Guastella is a 2023 JINSA Generals and Admirals Program participant and former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. |
Lt Gen (ret.) Charles Moore Lt Gen Charles Moore, USAF (ret.) is a member of JINSA’s Iran Policy Project and a 2022 JINSA Generals and Admirals Program participant. He is the former Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and also served as Deputy Director for Global Operations at the Pentagon. |
IDF MG (ret.) Amikam Norkin IDF MG (ret.) Amikam Norkin joined JINSA as a Distinguished Fellow in February 2023. MG Norkin is the Former Commander of the Israeli Air Force and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces General Staff. As the IAF’s Commander, he was responsible for all of the IDF’s aviation operations. |
Jonathan Ruhe Jonathan Ruhe is Fellow for American Strategy at JINSA. Prior to joining JINSA, he worked at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), where he focused on Middle East and Former Soviet Union security issues. His commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Dispatch, and various international media outlets. |