As speculation grows over a possible agreement with Iran, the U.S. Air Force has begun relocating some of its Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft that have been stationed at Ben Gurion Airport in recent weeks.

According to the report, about 33 U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are currently operating from Ben Gurion Airport, occupying parking positions and affecting runway operations. In the first phase of the move, approximately 10 aircraft are expected to be relocated, leaving around 25 refueling planes at the airport.

Channel 12 reported that the move follows pressure from Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who urged defense officials to relocate some of the aircraft to ensure Ben Gurion can continue operating smoothly during the peak summer travel season.

More than 2.6 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion in August, making it one of the busiest travel periods in three years.

Airport officials expect an average of about 100,000 passengers per day. Thursdays are forecast to be the busiest days of the week, with Monday, August 17, expected to be the single busiest day of the month.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)