Amid expectations of heavier civilian passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport, the number of US aerial refueling aircraft allegedly fell.
The number of aircraft at the airport allegedly approached the level of about 20 recorded during the previous ceasefire. The highest number of aircraft reached during the period of heightened tensions was not disclosed.
Reports on the Strait of Hormuz
The development came amid indications that the United States and Iran were nearing agreement on several issues, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to global energy supplies and trade.
US aircraft had been deployed at Ben Gurion Airport for aerial refueling since the war against Iran began on February 28.

Debate over civilian capacity at the airport
Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev allegedly asked security officials to remove the tanker aircraft so the airport could maintain normal operations during busy travel days.
More than 2.6 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport in August. The daily passenger average is projected to be about 100,000, making August the airport’s busiest month since October 7, 2023.
The impact of aerial refueling aircraft on civilian flights had previously been debated in Israel. On July 14, when the number of US tanker aircraft at the airport reached 33, new aircraft were not allowed to land.
Regev said the tanker aircraft were occupying parking areas needed for civilian aircraft. US Central Command objected to the decision the same day, and it was reversed on July 15 following protests.
Washington and Tel Aviv have not issued a statement on the latest decrease in the number of aircraft.