US Withdraws 20 Percent of Military Aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport

The United States is preparing to withdraw approximately 20% of its refueling tanker and cargo aircraft currently stationed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. This reduction follows a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran to establish a permanent end to their conflict, with a formal accord scheduled for signing in Switzerland on July 19. The military fleet, first deployed in February during a period of escalation and airstrikes, consists of roughly 72 aircraft.

The relocation effort aims to alleviate severe congestion for civilian flights. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel noted that the U.S. presence occupied nearly half of the airport's parking spaces, leading to warnings that the facility was effectively becoming a military base. Most of the departing aircraft will transfer to Israeli Air Force bases, while others will move to bases in Europe.

The remaining 80% of the U.S. fleet will remain on standby in Israel to ensure rapid deployment capabilities. A full withdrawal of all military aircraft is contingent upon the finalization of the complete agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.