Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Israel Shifts US Refuelers, Prevents 2.4 M Cancellations

6/17/2026

25 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Minister Miri Regev warned that if U.S. refueling planes remain, over 2.4 million tickets could be canceled, costing billions of shekels.
Israel is moving about half of the 72 U.S. refueling aircraft from Ben-Gurion to IAF bases, to be finalized soon.
Ben-Gurion runs at one-third capacity, limited to 30 % of activity, as 26 U.S. planes occupy 90 % of Ramon’s parking, prompting the Israel Airports Authority to warn of July 1 cancellations.

History

Historical Context

During the October 1973 Yom Kippur War, the United States launched Operation Nickel Grass, airlifting roughly 22,325 tons of weapons to Israel. President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger secured staging at Portugal’s Lajes Field, but the aid provoked an OPEC oil embargo that sparked the 1973 energy crisis. The reliance on foreign bases still informs today’s debate over U.S. aircraft at Israeli fields.

1 of 2

Story summary

Minister Miri Regev warned that if U.S. refueling planes remain, over 2.4 million tickets could be canceled, costing billions of shekels.
Israel is moving about half of the 72 U.S. refueling aircraft from Ben-Gurion to IAF bases, to be finalized soon.
Ben-Gurion runs at one-third capacity, limited to 30 % of activity, as 26 U.S. planes occupy 90 % of Ramon’s parking, prompting the Israel Airports Authority to warn of July 1 cancellations.

1 / 2