US Air Force stealth fighters land in Israel, official says

Around a dozen U.S. Air Force F-22 fighters have landed in Israel, according to a U.S. official.

The fighters were spotted taking off from the Royal Air Force base Lakenheath in the UK on Tuesday morning before they flew to Israel.

The base has in recent weeks been a waypoint for U.S. military aircraft on their way to the Middle East as part of an ongoing military buildup.

The fighters flew with their transponders deactivated but were accompanied by refueling tankers with their transponders on.

A number of fighter aircraft and U.S. military transport aircraft have also flown into the Middle East, according to flight tracking data.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.