TEL AVIV — Growing concerns are mounting over a potential resumption of airstrikes against Iran, following reports that dozens of United States military aerial refueling tankers have been concentrated at a major Israeli airport.
On May 22 (local time), the British daily Financial Times (FT) reported that an analysis of recent satellite imagery of Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport revealed at least 50 U.S. military tankers stationed on the tarmacs this month.
According to the report, the number of tankers began rising steadily in late February, just ahead of joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. The deployment grew from approximately 36 aircraft in early March to 47 around the time a ceasefire went into effect in early April. As of this week, the count has reached 52.
Located near Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport serves as Israel’s primary international gateway for civilian aviation. The FT noted that the grey U.S. Air Force military transports, particularly the aerial tankers, have so densely packed the airport's aprons that they are clearly visible to civilian passengers and drivers on nearby highways.
Aerial tankers are considered indispensable assets for long-range airstrike operations, as they allow fighter jets to refuel mid-air, significantly extending their operational range and loitering time. During previous military campaigns against Iran, the U.S. utilized KC-135 and KC-46 tankers deployed across the Middle East to support deep-penetration missions by both American and Israeli fighter jets. Consequently, analysts view this massive build-up at Ben Gurion Airport as a strategic reinforcement ahead of a possible resumption of hostilities.
While termination negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stressed that military options remain on the table. Some foreign media outlets speculate that if diplomatic talks stall, the U.S. and Israel could resume airstrikes within days.
Meanwhile, domestic anxieties are rising over the "militarization" of Israel's main civilian hub. Local airlines are facing severe parking shortages due to the influx of military aircraft, forcing some commercial planes to be temporarily stationed at foreign airports.
International law experts have also warned that using a civilian facility for heavy military operations risks turning it into a legitimate target. Marco Milanovic, a professor of public international law at the University of Reading, pointed out that under the Geneva Conventions, Israel has an obligation to take all feasible precautions to avoid locating military objectives within or near densely populated areas.
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