Key facts
- Israel is set to receive more U.S. refuelling aircraft.
- The decision comes amid intensified strikes by the U.S. and Iran.
- Dozens of additional U.S. refuelling planes are expected in Israel.
- Some aircraft will be stationed at Israeli Air Force bases to manage civilian air traffic.
- There were 98 U.S. military planes in Israel as of June 25.
Israel is preparing to receive additional U.S. refuelling aircraft as strikes by the United States and Iran have escalated over the past week, according to an Israeli military official. The U.S. and Iran have intensified strikes since an interim ceasefire deal crumbled a month ago, raising concerns about a potential return to all-out war, though Israel has not joined the latest U.S. attacks.
The Israeli official stated that the U.S. decided to adjust its force posture in the region and reinforce its existing fleet of aerial refuelling aircraft stationed in Israel. Another senior Israeli official indicated that dozens of U.S. refuelling planes are expected to arrive in the country.
Axios reported on Friday, citing three U.S. and Israeli officials, that the Trump administration had notified Israel of its intention to send more refuelling planes ahead of a potential expansion of military operations against Iran. To minimize disruptions to civilian air traffic, the U.S. has chosen to station some of the refuelling aircraft at Israeli Air Force bases, as well as at commercial airports.
In May, Sharon Kedmi, director general of the authority, noted that 70% of activity at Ben Gurion Airport was limited due to space and resources being occupied by U.S. military activity. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Miri Regev confirmed that the U.S. had agreed to move some aircraft to Israeli Air Force bases since then. As of June 25, there were a total of 98 U.S. military planes in Israel, according to the spokesperson.