“A Weapon Beneath Your Seats” .. U.S. Civilian Aircraft Secretly Transport Military Equipment to Israel

Washington – Agencies: Shipping data and open-source documents have revealed that the US airline United Airlines has resumed transporting military equipment and spare parts designated for Israel on civilian passenger flights. This move follows a halt of more than six months due to the suspension of direct flights following the outbreak of war with Iran. According to The Intercept, this resumption coincides with the release of an extensive investigative report prepared by four rights and research organizations: the Movement Research Unit, the Palestinian Youth Movement, the People’s Boycott for Palestine, and Democratic Socialists of America. The report documents covert operations involving the transport of thousands of military shipments in parallel with the war on Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the reciprocal attacks with Iran. According to the figures and statistics in the report, researchers tracked a total of 2,761 military shipments destined for Israeli arms manufacturing companies, transported on 160 civilian passenger flights operated by the company between July 24, 2025, and February 27, 2026, equivalent to approximately 3,000 military loads over seven months. Analyzing a sample of 546 shipments, it was found that 131 contained spare parts for F-35 fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin, and 67 included components for other warplanes and helicopters. The sample also included 28 shipments of tank spare parts and artillery aiming and display units, in addition to more than 100 shipments of communication and radio equipment, helmet-mounted displays, and technical and precision supplies. Regarding domestic and international flight routes, the report clarified that 2,565 shipments were transported directly from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Tel Aviv, mostly via civilian flights 84 and 90. Additionally, 36 shipments departed from Chicago, and 9 from Washington.