The United States is preparing to deploy about 10 additional aerial refueling aircraft to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, expanding its military logistics presence as tensions across the Middle East remain elevated, according to an Israeli media report.
Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the additional aircraft will join more than 30 US tanker planes already stationed at Ben Gurion, strengthening Washington’s ability to support long-range military operations in the region.
According to the report, the tanker fleet plays a critical role in extending the operational range of fighter aircraft and bombers, allowing sustained air operations over greater distances. Security officials cited by Ynet said US planners continue to favour Ben Gurion as a staging hub because other regional bases are considered more vulnerable to potential attacks.
The growing military deployment has reportedly increased pressure on Israel’s busiest international airport, with congestion affecting aircraft parking capacity and contributing to delays for some civilian flights.
Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev previously instructed that some US refueling aircraft be transferred to military airfields to ease pressure on Ben Gurion. However, Ynet reported that continued arrivals and the large number of aircraft already present have limited the airport’s ability to restore normal operations.
The report comes as the United States continues to reinforce its military posture in the Middle East following months of heightened regional tensions involving Iran and ongoing security concerns across the Gulf and eastern Mediterranean.
Neither the US Department of Defense nor Israeli authorities had publicly commented on the reported deployment at the time of publication.
Reports say the expanded tanker presence reflects broader US contingency planning aimed at improving operational flexibility and logistical support for American and allied forces while maintaining rapid response capabilities should regional tensions escalate further.
