From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
US said to voice frustration after Israel halts additional fuel tanker landings in Ben Gurion Airport
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleStav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Senior US Central Command (CENTCOM) officials have voiced frustration to the IDF and Israel’s defense establishment after Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered a temporary halt to additional US aerial refueling aircraft landing at Ben Gurion Airport, the Ynet news site reports.
According to the report, US officials argue that the decision undermines the operational needs of American forces amid rising tensions with Iran, stressing that the tankers are a critical component of Washington’s regional deterrence and defense posture.
“The American request is justified,” a senior IDF official tells Ynet. “The refueling aircraft are a strategic asset for the United States in the region and an integral part of the joint preparations against Iran. From an operational standpoint, it is important that they be able to operate under the conditions set by the Americans.”
The dispute comes after four additional US refueling aircraft landed in Israel overnight, bringing the number parked at Ben Gurion Airport to 33. Regev subsequently instructed officials not to approve any further tanker landings beyond those already at the airport, with the Transportation Ministry saying the move is intended to minimize disruption to civilian air travel during the busy summer season.
According to the ministry, Israel and the US had previously agreed to cap the number of American refueling aircraft parked at Ben Gurion at 20, with Regev arguing that additional aircraft should instead use military airfields throughout Israel.
However, the US reportedly prefers Ben Gurion because of its well-equipped infrastructure and central location near hotels and other amenities.
Israeli officials insist there is “no crisis” between the two allies in light of the disagreement, saying the Transportation Ministry had informed the Defense Ministry of the decision, which addressed the issue with US officials.
According to a separate report by Channel 12 news, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke with US officials regarding the issue.
The Times of Israel Community.