Key facts
- The U.S. is sending approximately 10 additional aerial refueling aircraft to Israel.
- These planes will join over 30 U.S. refuelling aircraft already stationed in Israel.
- The increased military presence is causing significant operational burdens and flight delays at Ben Gurion Airport.
- Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated, with warnings of potential military action.
- The U.S. military has been basing tanker aircraft in Israel since February 28.
The United States is set to deploy approximately 10 more aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, adding to the more than 30 already stationed in the country. This military buildup comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with fears of a potential American strike on Iran.
Israeli media reported that the additional aircraft are en route to Ben Gurion International Airport, bringing the total number of U.S. military tankers there to 40. This significant military footprint has already placed a substantial operational burden on the airport, leading to civil flight delays of around two hours. Authorities cautioned that disruptions are expected to worsen with the arrival of the new planes, particularly during the peak summer travel season.
The deployment upends a previous agreement made just two weeks prior to reduce the number of U.S. refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion. The Israel Airports Authority had previously warned that the crowding could force mass cancellations of commercial flights.
Aerial refueling tankers are crucial for extending the range and endurance of strike aircraft for long-range bombing operations. The latest buildup occurs against a backdrop of mounting tension, with President Donald Trump warning that the U.S. would strike Iran "very hard."
Since the conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, the U.S. has stationed dozens of refuelling aircraft in Israel. The U.S. military has preferred Ben Gurion due to its perceived lower exposure to Iranian attack compared to other regional bases. As of June 25, there were a total of 98 U.S. military planes in Israel.