US Refuels Planes Continue Landing at Ben Gurion Airport After American Protest

Following a protest from the United States, the restriction on US military refueling planes landing at Ben Gurion Airport was lifted on Wednesday. Earlier that day, the Israel Airports Authority instructed air traffic control units to allow these refueling aircraft to land, reversing the directive issued by Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev. Regev had ordered a ban on refueling plane landings at Ben Gurion, a move criticized by Israeli Defense Forces officials and the US Central Command (Centcom).

The initial restriction was prompted by Ben Gurion Airport's demand to clear parking spaces ahead of the summer vacation period, fearing that the refueling planes occupying spots could disrupt flight schedules. However, the escalating tensions between the US and Iran necessitated maintaining these aircraft and their crews on full alert in Israel.

The Transport Ministry’s decision to halt refueling plane landings led to urgent appeals from senior Centcom officials to the IDF and Israeli security agencies. The Americans emphasized that the ban compromised operational needs amid the regional escalation with Iran. Sources familiar with the matter said the US viewed the ban as potentially undermining the operational capabilities of American forces in the area. Refueling planes are a critical component of the regional deterrence and defense system.

A senior Israeli military official told Ynet that the American demand was justified, describing the refueling aircraft as a strategic asset essential to joint preparations against Iran. Operationally, it is important that these planes can operate under conditions set by the US military.