US Refueling Aircraft to Continue Landing in Israel After Ben Gurion Dispute

The remaining aircraft will be relocated to Israeli Air Force bases in coordination with the Defense Ministry.

By United with Israel Staff

U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft will continue landing in Israel despite an earlier directive aimed at blocking additional arrivals at Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli officials.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev confirmed reports that the aircraft will continue operating in Israel but said the number parked at Ben Gurion will be reduced to the level previously agreed upon with the United States. The remaining aircraft will be relocated to Israeli Air Force bases in coordination with the Defense Ministry.

“The move is intended to allow continued operational activity while preserving the continuity of civilian aviation,” Regev’s office said.

The announcement comes a day after reports that Israel’s Airports Authority had instructed air traffic controllers not to approve the landing of additional U.S. refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion, amid growing concerns that the expanding American military presence could worsen a severe aircraft parking shortage during the busy summer travel season.

According to Hebrew media, that directive was later reversed, allowing additional U.S. tankers to land.

The dispute arose after four additional U.S. refueling aircraft arrived overnight from Gulf states that have come under Iranian attack, bringing the total number of American tankers currently stationed in Israel to 34.

Before the renewed escalation with Iran, Washington had reportedly agreed to reduce that number to 20 aircraft. However, the resurgence of fighting and ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran halted the planned withdrawal.

The presence of the U.S. tanker fleet has reduced parking capacity for commercial aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, prompting warnings that thousands of airline passengers could face disruptions during the peak summer travel season.

Transportation officials have previously warned that prolonged parking shortages at Ben Gurion could threaten hundreds of thousands of passenger trips if additional space is not made available.

Under the latest arrangement, Israeli officials hope relocating many of the refueling aircraft to military bases will allow the United States to maintain its operational posture while easing pressure on civilian air traffic at Israel’s main international airport.