The United States massively reinforces its military presence in Israel: Dozens of tanker aircraft sent after resumption of attacks from Iran
Author: Monica Vasilescu
Sunday, July 19, 2026, 10:01 PM
Donald Trump, US President - Photo: Hepta
Israel is set to receive new American tanker aircraft for in-flight refueling, after the United States decided to consolidate its military presence in the region amid escalating confrontations with Iran, Israeli officials said on Sunday, cited by Reuters.
The move comes after the collapse of the provisional ceasefire between the United States and Iran, concluded about a month ago. The resumption of reciprocal attacks has heightened fears of a new large-scale conflict erupting in the Middle East.
US strengthens its military posture in Israel
According to an Israeli military official, Washington has decided to adapt its force deployment in the region and supplement the fleet of tanker aircraft already present in Israel.
Another senior Israeli official specified that dozens of American aerial refueling aircraft will arrive in the coming period in Israel, as part of an operation to strengthen logistical capabilities and support for potential military missions.
The aircraft will be distributed between military bases and civilian airports
According to Israeli officials, some of the American planes will be deployed to Israeli Air Force bases, and the rest will be temporarily stationed at civilian airports to limit the impact on commercial air traffic.
Since the beginning of the conflict, triggered on February 28 by the attacks of the United States and Israel on Iran, the US military has already deployed dozens of tanker aircraft in Israel.
The Trump administration informed Israel about the new deployments
Axios reported, citing American and Israeli officials, that the administration of President Donald Trump informed Israeli authorities about the sending of new refueling aircraft, in view of a possible expansion of military operations against Iran.
In May, the director of the Israel Airports Authority, Sharon Kedmi, stated that about 70% of the activity at Ben Gurion International Airport was affected by the presence of American military aircraft.
Subsequently, Washington agreed to relocate some of them to Israeli Air Force bases to reduce disruptions to commercial flights.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Transport, as of June 25, there were 98 American military aircraft stationed in Israel, and the newly announced deployments indicate a further consolidation of the US military presence in the region.
