IDF Chief Blocks Transport Ministry's Push to Move US Tankers from Ben Gurion Airport

A security source familiar with the dispute between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Ministry of Transportation, and the US military revealed that professional data-backed messages were recently sent to the IDF recommending the relocation of American refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport to Israeli Air Force bases. However, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir supported the Air Force's position and decided to prevent the transfer for now, despite increasing pressure from the Transportation Ministry.

The Transportation Ministry argues that no US tankers are currently stationed at Air Force bases, with all 20 aircraft located at Ben Gurion, causing severe disruption to civilian aviation and limiting the country's main air traffic artery. The ministry proposed moving the tankers to spacious bases in the Negev, with a plan to return them to Ben Gurion in case of emergency. A source noted that Ben Gurion struggles to operate efficiently due to the tankers' presence, which restricts flight movements and raises safety concerns.

Earlier, Transportation Minister Miri Regev instructed the Airports Authority to bar any additional US tankers from landing at Ben Gurion beyond the 20 already stationed, demanding the immediate removal of 13 tankers to prevent commercial flight cancellations during the upcoming summer vacation. Despite this, another US tanker landed shortly after the directive, reportedly only for refueling and not overnight parking.

The decision to limit tanker parking at Ben Gurion was approved by the Security Cabinet to protect the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have purchased summer tickets. The US military's need for readily available tankers at Ben Gurion has complicated prior agreements, especially amid heightened regional tensions with Iran, including US military strikes and Iranian attacks on Gulf tankers. Some US tankers at Ben Gurion have come from Gulf states targeted by Iran, underscoring the strategic importance of their presence.

The Transportation Ministry emphasized ongoing cooperation with US partners and reaffirmed the minister's commitment to maintaining civilian aviation continuity alongside national security. The IDF maintains its stance for operational convenience and safety, with plans to swiftly reintegrate tankers at Ben Gurion if an emergency arises.