Israel Demands US Air Force Refueling Jets Leave Ben Gurion Airport

Israel's Airports Authority is demanding the removal of 19 U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft currently stationed at Ben Gurion Airport by the end of 2026. In a letter to the Ministry of Defense, Authority Director General Sharon Kedmi stated that the continued operational presence of these "American partners" at civilian airports is no longer feasible due to the full recovery of the aviation sector.

Kedmi acknowledged the strategic importance of the U.S. aircraft but emphasized that their operation alongside returning civilian air traffic, which is expected to reach pre-war levels by 2027, cannot continue in its current format. The Authority anticipates that by 2027, Ben Gurion Airport will require all parking stands and air traffic slots for civilian flights.

Kedmi warned that failure to evacuate the aircraft by the deadline could necessitate adjustments to the flight schedule, potentially leading to the reduction or cancellation of commercial flights, with significant operational, public, economic, and legal ramifications.

Similar demands have been made regarding Ramon Airport. Starting November 1, 2026, Ramon Airport will revert to regular civilian operations and cease nighttime activity. This means the U.S. refueling aircraft will no longer be able to operate beyond defined hours. The Airports Authority is currently bearing the costs for the U.S. aircraft's operations, security, and maintenance at Ramon and seeks a financial and contractual agreement to regulate their continued presence.