Have you ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of military bases? In a stunning revelation, Israeli military aircraft have been making regular stops at a major UK air base, and the mystery surrounding their cargo has raised some serious questions.
In late 2023, Israel’s Air Force (IAF) made at least three transport flights to RAF Brize Norton, a prominent base in Oxfordshire. This isn’t your average delivery, though. These Boeing 707s, known for their long-distance freight capacity, sparked suspicions that they may have been carrying advanced weaponry, possibly sourced from the US.
Two of the flights, on October 13 and November 28, headed to the US Air Force base at Dover in Delaware. The third, on November 20, arrived from Dover and flew straight out to Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel, the heart of Israel’s military operations. The precise origin of these planes remains a mystery, but reports indicate that this is not the first time Israeli aircraft have passed through the UK.
A Cloud of Secrecy
The UK government has been tight-lipped about these movements. While Defence Minister James Heappey maintained that “operational security” prevents public comment on foreign military aircraft, the lack of transparency has only fuelled suspicions. Critics argue that the secrecy surrounding these flights hints at something more disturbing, UK complicity in Israel’s actions, particularly during the destruction of Gaza.
Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, pointed out that the UK’s unwavering support for Israel, despite its ongoing military actions, raises uncomfortable questions about its role in potential war crimes. “The secrecy just highlights that the government knows the public outrage that would erupt if the full extent of these operations were revealed,” Doyle said.
The Scottish National Party’s Chris Law echoed these concerns, calling for the Ministry of Defence to provide full transparency on its involvement with the Israeli military since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023. For Law, these revelations only add fuel to the fire, suggesting deeper UK military ties to Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
A History of Arms Transfers
This isn’t the first time the UK has been linked to military support for Israel. Reports from Haaretz in October 2023 suggest that British and US aircraft have been flying military equipment to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which is then sent to Israel. Even more concerning, over 50 tonnes of US weapons destined for Israel were secretly transported through UK airspace.
Since the conflict erupted in Gaza, the UK has provided extensive military assistance to Israel. According to the Ministry of Defence, the RAF has flown hundreds of surveillance missions over Gaza, supporting Israeli intelligence efforts to locate hostages. There are also reports that UK forces are training Israeli personnel in Britain, and despite some restrictions, British arms have continued to flow into Israel.
The UK’s involvement in these operations is under scrutiny, with many calling for an inquiry into the extent of the government’s support for Israel. As tensions rise, the British public’s concern grows louder, demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders.
