Amid mounting tensions and growing fears of a broader military confrontation with Iran, the United States has begun a large-scale deployment of dozens of fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft throughout the Middle East, including Israel, Kan News reported.

Several refueling aircraft have already landed at Ovda Airbase in southern Israel after arriving from the Qatar area. Additional aircraft are expected to arrive at other military installations in southern Israel in the coming days.

A squadron of advanced F-16 fighter jets has also landed at a base in Jordan, with additional fighter aircraft expected to arrive at various bases across the region.

The US has also issued a travel advisory for northern Israel and the Middle East in general.

The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement saying, “Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments.”

“Americans traveling in or through the region should also check with their air carriers to make sure their flights are still scheduled. Americans should consider these factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank, and should not travel to Gaza, Northern Israel, and the Egyptian border except for the Taba crossing, and reconsider travel to/through the Middle East.”

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)