Channel 12 reports U.S. tanker aircraft are leaving Ben-Gurion

Channel 12 reports U.S. tanker aircraft are leaving Ben-Gurion Airport

Israel’s Channel 12 television reported that the withdrawal of some U.S. aerial refueling aircraft from Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv had begun. The move is intended to prevent disruption to the expected increase in civilian air traffic.

Scraper SystemAugust 06, 2026, 10:53 PMUpdated: August 23, 2026, 11:31 PM

Channel 12 reports U.S. tanker aircraft are leaving Ben-Gurion Airport

The process of withdrawing some U.S. aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has begun. Israel’s Channel 12 television reported that the decision was made to accommodate increased civilian passenger traffic and ensure the normal continuation of commercial flights.

Transport Minister Miri Regev was said to have pressured security officials to remove the military aircraft from the airport. Israeli media published criticism that the aircraft could disrupt commercial flights and reduce the airport’s capacity during the busy travel season.

Ben-Gurion expects 2.6 million passengers

More than 2.6 million passengers are expected to use Ben-Gurion Airport in August. The period is expected to be one of the busiest the airport has faced since October 7, 2023.

Regev had previously called for the refueling aircraft to be removed and their number capped at 20 so that the civilian flight schedule would not be affected during the busiest part of the summer holiday season.

Israeli army opposed moving the aircraft

The Israeli army, with the support of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, opposed moving the aircraft to air bases in the Negev Desert.

The United States had previously suspended the evacuation of military tanker aircraft stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport because of escalating tensions with Iran.

After a ceasefire and an agreement were reached with Iran, the refueling aircraft were said to have been sent to Europe. After attacks on Iran resumed, the aircraft were redeployed to Israel and the Middle East.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

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Channel 12 reports U.S. tanker aircraft are leaving Ben-Gurion Airport

Stay Updated with Ally Daily

Ben-Gurion expects 2.6 million passengers

Israeli army opposed moving the aircraft

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