US Central Command Protests Israel's Halt on Additional US Tanker Plane Landings at Ben Gurion Airport

The Israeli Ministry of Transportation's decision to temporarily stop further landings of American tanker aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport has sparked strong objections from senior officials at the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Americans conveyed their concerns to the Israeli Defense Forces leadership and security agencies, emphasizing that the move undermines operational needs amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the US side views the decision as potentially detrimental to the operational capabilities of American forces in the region, highlighting that tanker planes are a critical component of regional deterrence and defense. The dissatisfaction was even greater regarding the refusal to allow a tanker plane already in Israel to land again after returning to its previous area of operation. A senior Israeli military official told ynet that the American demand is justified, noting that tanker aircraft are a strategic asset for the US and integral to joint preparations against Iran.

The tension arose after the suspension of the removal of US tanker planes from Ben Gurion, a step intended to free parking spaces for civilian aviation during the busy summer season. Overnight, four additional tankers landed, bringing the total to 33 US tanker planes occupying parking spots also used by civilian aircraft. Following a situation assessment, Transportation Minister Miri Regev instructed that no further landings of US tanker planes be approved beyond those already in Israel. The ministry explained that the decision aims to minimize disruption to civilian air traffic and prevent the cancellation of tens of thousands of flight tickets in August.

An Israeli source noted that while the request to clear the parking was reasonable when there was no direct US involvement in combat with Iran, the current situation requires prompt compliance with the American request. Military sources stressed the sensitivity of the period and expressed that the US has altered its offensive actions against Iran, expecting full cooperation from Israel. After the landing of another US tanker today, the Transportation Ministry clarified that the tanker landed solely for refueling, not parking, in accordance with the minister's directive. The decision to limit the number of tankers at Ben Gurion to 20 was approved by the Security Cabinet to ensure the continuation of flights for hundreds of thousands of Israelis traveling abroad.