Massive U.S. Refueling Fleet Grips Israeli Airports; Washington Requests Tarmac Space Until End of 2027
A massive contingent of approximately 60 U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers—primarily Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft—remains heavily stationed on the tarmac at Ben Gurion International Airport. An additional 16 to 18 American logistics and tanker aircraft are currently deployed in the south at Eilat’s Ramon Airport, marking an unprecedented forward deployment of U.S. strategic assets inside Israel.
The Pentagon has formally requested that the Israeli government allow the dozens of refueling aircraft and their supporting military personnel to remain stationed at the commercial hubs until at least the end of 2027. The strategic tanker fleet originally arrived to provide crucial mid-air refueling support for long-range missions during the recent regional war with Iran.
While the presence of the American fleet underscores the deep defense alliance between the two nations, it is fueling a severe domestic logistical crisis. Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakay warned Transportation Minister Miri Regev that Ben Gurion has effectively “turned into a military airfield with limited civilian activity”.
