Israel confirmed on Sunday the addition of three new fighter jets to its fleet as uncertainty continues over the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza. The three F-35I fighter jets, produced by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, landed at Negev Airbase in southern Israel last week.
In an official statement, the Israeli military noted that the jets would join the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and its 116th Squadron. The expansion of the fleet, also known as the “Adir” squadron, is set to bolster the IAF’s capabilities.
According to Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee, the F-35I fleet has accumulated over 15,000 operational flight hours and participated in thousands of sorties since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
This announcement comes as the ceasefire, which halted Israel’s military actions in Gaza in January, faces growing challenges. The first phase of the agreement ended in early March, with Israel stalling negotiations for the second phase. This phase was intended to include further exchanges of captives with Hamas, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed for an extension of the current prisoner release process instead.
Hamas has maintained its commitment to the ceasefire and called on international mediators to enforce Israel’s adherence to the terms of the agreement.
The situation is further complicated by legal challenges. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. Additionally, Israel faces a case at the International Court of Justice over accusations of genocide in Gaza.