14 US Refueling Aircraft Arrive in Israel as Military Build-Up Accelerates

JERUSALEM, July 19: Fourteen US aerial refueling aircraft arrived in Israel over the weekend as Washington and Tehran exchanged fresh attacks, according to Israeli media, signaling a further strengthening of the US military presence in the region.

Israeli news outlet Walla, citing an unnamed Israeli Air Force source, reported that the United States plans to deploy up to 100 refueling aircraft to Israeli military bases, including Ramon Airport in southern Israel.

The source said a further escalation in US military operations against Iran would require additional refueling aircraft, with some potentially operating from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv if necessary.

The report added that 33 US refueling aircraft are already stationed at Ben Gurion Airport, raising concerns over possible disruptions to civilian air traffic during the busy summer travel season. Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the total number of US refueling aircraft currently deployed in the country.

On Saturday, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump had informed Israel of plans to expand the US military deployment in the region. The move reportedly includes sending additional refueling aircraft, with some already arriving at Ovda Airbase in southern Israel and more expected at other military installations.

Regional tensions have remained high following renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran. Although Washington and Tehran signed a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending hostilities and pursuing a lasting peace agreement, tensions flared again last week over the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fresh exchange of attacks.