US sends dozens of refueling planes to Israel ahead of possible escalation with Iran

The United States is accelerating its military buildup in Israel amid escalating fighting and expanded strikes against Iran, with 10 additional U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft expected to arrive Friday and Saturday, ynet has learned. Unlike previous waves of aircraft, the new tankers will not be stationed at Ben Gurion Airport. More than 60 American refueling planes have arrived in Israel so far, including 33 that were parked at the country’s main international airport. As Ynet reported earlier this week, officials from U.S. Central Command protested after Transportation Minister Miri Regev moved to limit the number of American tankers stationed at Ben Gurion Airport. CENTCOM officials told senior Israeli defense officials that the restriction could undermine the operational flexibility of U.S. forces in the region. The IDF supported the American position, describing the refueling aircraft as a strategic asset of critical operational importance.