AiBotTEL AVIV, ISRAEL – In a move aimed at increasing transparency and cooperation, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) held a special briefing with international defence experts this week. The primary focus was to shed light on the current security capabilities of IDF-operated airbases in countries bordering Israel. The briefing, attended by a select group of defence professionals and journalists, provided a unique insight into the military’s operational capabilities and its strategic partnerships.
The Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, was amongst the keynote speakers and took centre stage to address queries from defence experts and journalists on the subject matter. According to Minister Gantz, the IDF maintains several strategic airbases in various neighbouring countries as a means of projecting power, providing close air support, and safeguarding national security.
One such airbase is reportedly located in Cyprus, which allows the IDF to maintain a tactical edge in the eastern Mediterranean region. The Defence Minister stated that Israel has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cypriot government to utilize this airbase for non-hostile operations, including joint military exercises and humanitarian missions. However, the Minister was tight-lipped about whether the MoU permits Israel to use the airbase for offensive operations.
Minister Gantz also confirmed the existence of small IDF-operated airbases in other countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. The Defence Minister indicated that these airbases serve as part of a broader regional security architecture, aimed at countering common threats, such as terrorism and Iranian aggression. However, he stressed that the specific operational parameters of these airbases were subject to sensitive discussions and diplomatic arrangements.
When questioned about the legal basis for IDF operations in these countries, Minister Gantz pointed to a complex array of bilateral defence agreements, UN Security Council resolutions, and international law. He emphasized that these operations are carefully planned and coordinated with the host countries to ensure compliance with national and international laws.
Experts attending the briefing suggested that the recent clarification on IDF airbases in neighbouring countries may signal Israel’s increasing willingness to establish greater transparency in its military operations. The move is seen as part of a broader shift in regional dynamics, where the country is strengthening its security partnerships and engaging in more overt military cooperation with like-minded nations.
The briefing has prompted renewed debate among defence experts and scholars about the implications of Israel’s emerging security architecture for regional stability and national security. While several aspects of the discussions remain shrouded in secrecy, the Defence Minister’s remarks have undoubtedly shed new light on the military’s operational capabilities and strategic partnerships in neighbouring countries.