Israel seeks removal of US military aircraft from main airport

Israel reportedly in talks with US for removal of some American military aircraft parked at the country’s main airport as summer travel season nears.

By World Israel News Staff

Israel is in talks with the United States to reduce the number of American refueling aircraft parked at Ben Gurion Airport, as officials prepare for a surge in civilian flights during the peak summer travel season, Israel Hayom reported on Thursday.

The request is focused on freeing up parking space at Israel’s main international airport, not on ending the US military presence, according to the report.

Dozens of US Air Force tankers were deployed to Israel during the war with Iran and have remained at Ben Gurion Airport.

Israel Hayom reported that 94 American refueling aircraft are currently parked there, amounting to nearly a third of the entire US tanker fleet.

The aircraft are taking up about two-thirds of the airport’s available parking space, creating growing concern among Israeli aviation and defense officials ahead of July and August, when passenger traffic is expected to rise sharply.

Israeli officials are seeking to move some of the planes either to other Israeli airfields or to other locations in the region, while maintaining security for both the aircraft and their crews.

The report said the US had asked to keep the tankers in Israel for 72 hours after a possible agreement with Iran.

Israeli officials, however, do not believe such an agreement is imminent, increasing pressure to find a solution before the summer travel rush.

Under Israel’s current emergency status, the commander of the Israeli Air Force has authority over where the aircraft are stationed, placing the issue under the purview of the defense establishment as well as civilian aviation officials.

Israeli officials stressed that the talks do not reflect any dispute with Washington over the deployment. They said the political and defense leadership appreciates the American presence and the role the US played in defending Israel during the confrontation with Iran.

The discussions come as Israel tries to balance continued security coordination with the United States against the practical needs of its civilian aviation system during one of the busiest periods of the year.