Amid soaring U.S.-Iran hostilities, a dramatic reinforcement is unfolding at Israel’s premier airport. Reports detail the arrival of nine U.S. refueling tankers at Ben Gurion International during the night, confirmed via open-source intelligence and airport visuals shared by Israeli journalists.
The deployments cap a busy week featuring U.S. cargo and refueler traffic at Ben Gurion, plus 11 F-22 fighters settling at Ovda with essential support elements. At least 14 refuelers are now operational there, capable of extending the range of jets from the approaching USS Gerald R. Ford carrier.
This setup could enable sustained U.S. air operations in a hypothetical Iran strike scenario under Trump’s command. In response to rising risks, the State Department permits voluntary withdrawals of government non-essentials and families from Israel, counseling citizens to depart commercially and bypass volatile areas.
The moves stem from fruitless nuclear program parleys, with future rounds eyed for next week. Intelligence circles note Trump’s skepticism toward Iran’s intentions, backed by two deployed carrier groups. The Ben Gurion buildup not only amplifies deterrence but also prepares for contingencies, as the international community braces for possible fallout from this powder keg.