U.S. to increase aerial refueling planes to Israel to pre-war levels

The United States has notified Israel of its intention to dispatch dozens of additional aerial refueling aircraft, a move that signals a potential escalation in American military support. This development comes as President Donald Trump reportedly considers a much larger offensive against Iran than the current airstrikes.

Sources indicate that the options being reviewed include bombing Iranian infrastructure, such as power plants, further attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, or targeting an underground site suspected to be at Mount Pike. While Trump has not made a final decision, he appears willing to intensify the conflict to inflict sufficient damage on Iran, aiming to compel it to accept the abandonment of its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. and Israeli officials suggest that Trump could order an intensified attack within days. Currently, approximately 30 U.S. military refueling aircraft are stationed at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, with a similar number at Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Israeli officials have expressed a desire for the U.S. to send dozens more aircraft, restoring the number to early-war levels.

The presence of these U.S. aircraft has become a sensitive political issue in Israel. While their operation at Ben Gurion was less problematic during the height of the war when airspace was largely closed and flights were canceled, their continued presence now could lead to significant flight cancellations as the airport reopens for summer travel. This situation could negatively impact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, with elections just three months away. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has urged the relocation or limitation of the U.S. aircraft at Ben Gurion, though the Defense Ministry and the IDF oppose this.

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