US Reduces Tanker Aircraft at Ben Gurion

The number of US aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel has fallen, approaching levels recorded during a previous ceasefire, Israeli Channel 12 reported Monday.

The broadcaster said the US was continuing to reduce the number of tanker aircraft at the airport near Tel Aviv. Their presence had reportedly “already approached” the level seen during the previous ceasefire, when around 20 aircraft were stationed there.

Channel 12 did not disclose how many tanker aircraft had been deployed at the height of tensions.

The report comes amid recent reports that Washington and Tehran may be moving closer to resolving outstanding issues, particularly regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments and trade.

US aircraft have used Ben Gurion Airport for aerial refueling since the US-Israeli war on Iran began Feb. 28.

Channel 12 reported Sunday that the US Air Force had started withdrawing some of its tanker aircraft from the airport amid changing security conditions.

The broadcaster said the move followed pressure from Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev on security officials to remove the aircraft to ensure normal airport operations during the busy travel period.

More than 2.6 million passengers are expected to travel through Ben Gurion Airport in August, averaging around 100,000 passengers a day. This would make it the airport’s busiest month since Oct. 7, 2023, with August traditionally a popular vacation period for Israelis.

Washington and Tel Aviv had not immediately commented on the report.

Israel has previously raised concerns about the impact of US tanker aircraft on civilian aviation operations at Ben Gurion Airport.

On July 14, Israel prevented additional US aerial refueling aircraft from landing at the airport after their number reached 33. Regev said the aircraft were taking up parking positions required for civilian planes.

The US Central Command objected to the decision that same day. Israel reversed the measure on July 15 following US protests.