US Sends Dozens More Refueling Aircraft to Israel

Israel is preparing for the arrival of dozens more US refueling aircraft. The move comes after mutual attacks between the United States and Iran intensified last week. The escalation of tensions and the threat of a return to all-out war follow the collapse of a temporary ceasefire signed a month ago.

Israel did not participate in the latest US strikes, but according to statements by Israeli military officials, Washington has decided to adjust its military posture in the region and reinforce its existing fleet of aerial refueling aircraft.

According to Axios, the Trump administration informed Tel Aviv of the move in advance in connection with a potential expansion of military operations against Iran.

The US has been deploying refueling aircraft in Israel since the outbreak of the conflict on 28 February. To minimize disruption to civilian air traffic, some of the aircraft will be moved to Israeli Air Force bases, though several will remain at commercial airports.

The presence of the US military has had a significant impact on the civilian sector. As recently as May, up to 70% of operations at Israel's main Ben Gurion Airport were restricted precisely because of capacity constraints caused by the US Air Force. According to the Ministry of Transportation, following a subsequent agreement, some of the aircraft were moved to military bases, and as of 25 June, there were a total of 98 US military aircraft on Israeli territory.

(Reuters, Max)