In an astonishing chess move, Israel is preparing to invite the United States to relocate its bases in Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar to Israel when U.S. forces are already massed in the region amid major security challenges, according to a Channel 12 News report. Such a move will “reshape the map” of U.S. positioning in the Middle East and offer strategic advantages to both countries, as the U.S. has proven itself a key and valuable ally of Israel, providing strong operational and intelligence support as well as stability, according to unnamed sources.

Israeli officials call the potential move a “rare opportunity” to move U.S. bases to Israel from Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at a time when strikes from Iran have revealed their vulnerability. They propose moving to Israel parts of existing bases such as Al Udeid in Qatar, the Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and Al Dhafra in the UAE.

The plan includes establishing new bases in Israel to form logistics hubs and to use the War Reserves Stockpile Allies – Israel (WRSA-I), a Department of Defense weapons stockpile in Israel to be used by DoD or transferred to a foreign country, as well as coordinating closely on the upkeep of fighter aircraft. Israel is also offering to share its air defense systems, including THAAD, Patriot and laser interceptors, and intelligence capabilities.

Discussions with Washington on the proposal have already begun but are in the early stages. Israeli officials believe their offer will strategically benefit both countries without the need to deploy additional American troops to the Middle East.