US Air Force Chief Wilsbach visits Israel, meets top military leaders on Iran conflict

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U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach visited Israel in recent days as the conflict with Iran reached the six-month mark, meeting with the heads of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Air Force.

Meeting Details

Wilsbach met with top Israeli military leaders Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Maj. Gen. Omer Tischler on Aug. 23, the IDF announced on Aug. 26. Wilsbach confirmed the meeting in an Aug. 28 social media post.

According to the IDF, the leaders discussed:

• The regional situation
• Advancing lessons learned from the joint campaign
• Future areas of cooperation

Wilsbach wrote that they discussed "shared priorities for regional security [and] opportunities to deepen cooperation."

The U.S. Air Force has yet to release a readout from the meeting, and a USAF spokesperson did not immediately respond to a query from Air & Space Forces Magazine.

Context of the Visit

The visit is Wilsbach's first publicized trip to the Middle East since the start of the Iran war, which began Feb. 28 with dual air campaigns named Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion.

Over the past six months, the U.S. and Israel have struck thousands of Iranian targets in what has become the largest air campaign in the Middle East in a generation. During that time, the USAF has stationed fighter jets and aerial refuelers at Israeli airports and air bases.

Impact on Israeli Infrastructure

The monthslong presence of KC-46 and KC-135 tankers at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv has tested the capacity of Israel's main commercial airport. In July, Israeli officials said they would limit the number of USAF aircraft that could remain there to avoid disrupting commercial travel.

Recent Developments

Since the most recent flareup in mid-to-late July, combat operations against Iran have slowed, with U.S. forces focusing on enforcing a blockade of Iranian ships and ports. The Trump administration has instead concentrated on inflicting economic pressure on Iran.

Nevertheless, the Pentagon is maintaining a large force posture in the region under U.S. Central Command, including dozens of USAF aircraft.

Previous Travel

Wilsbach previously visited the CENTCOM area of responsibility in December 2025 as part of a major trip to seven bases in the Middle East and Europe. In July, he visited London for the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference, RAF Mildenhall in the U.K., and Aviano Air Base in Italy.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org.