The United States continues to reduce the number of aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport, with the count approaching approximately 20 tankers — the level seen during the 2025 ceasefire period, journalist Din Fisher (N12) reported Monday evening.
The drawdown of US military refueling assets at Ben Gurion Airport is progressing, with the number of tankers now close to the low levels last seen during the 2025 ceasefire period, according to N12 journalist Din Fisher.
As The Zioneer has reported, the US began partially evacuating tankers from the airport in late June amid congestion and a potential diplomatic agreement with Iran (Aug 6 bulletin). By mid-July, the number stood at 33 tankers, with aviation officials warning of summer ticket cancellations (Jul 14 bulletin). A subsequent report July 17 indicated the reduction plan to roughly 20 tankers remained in effect. Fisher's report Monday suggests that target is now nearly reached.
The ongoing thinning of the US fleet — a key component of American air support for Israeli operations — carries implications for both military readiness and civilian aviation capacity at Israel's main international gateway. No statement from the US military or the Israel Airports Authority has been issued in response to the report.
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