Israeli media reported that the United States has begun reducing the number of its aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport, following an official Israeli request.
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Channel i24News reported on Tuesday, citing two informed sources, that the move aims to ease congestion at the airport and free up additional capacity for aircraft in preparation for the upcoming surge in travel during the summer season.
The two sources clarified that this reduction does not reflect a drawdown of the U.S. military presence in the region, noting that the aircraft have been relocated to undisclosed alternative sites.
While the Israeli channel did not specify the current number of aircraft, Haaretz newspaper had indicated on June 4 that around 75 planes were stationed there, causing strain on the airport’s operational infrastructure and incurring financial losses.
According to estimates, lost revenue has reached approximately $190 million, with warnings that it could rise to 2 billion shekels (around $540 million) if the situation persists until the end of the year. Consequently, Israeli airlines have been forced to relocate some of their aircraft to European airports.
This development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 18, and a round of negotiations that concluded on Monday in Switzerland, aimed at halting escalation and resolving bilateral disputes through diplomatic channels.
In recent times, criticism has mounted within Israel regarding the U.S. military presence inside Ben Gurion Airport. Since the outbreak of the war on Iran in February 2026, the airport has practically transformed into a staging ground crowded with American refueling tankers.
Furthermore, Yanir Cozin, a correspondent for Israeli Army Radio, described a scene he called "surreal" after accompanying President Isaac Herzog on a previous flight, noting that upon landing, they saw no civilian aircraft whatsoever, but only U.S. military planes.
This reality has raised growing questions within Israeli circles regarding the sheer scale of the U.S. military deployment at the airport, the reasons behind centering it at this specific location, and its broader economic, operational, and security implications.
