Israel reverses ban on US refueling planes at Ben Gurion, reaches agreement to reduce numbers

Israel has reversed its decision to restrict US refueling aircraft from landing at Ben Gurion Airport after a US protest, and agreed to keep a limited number at the airport while relocating others to Israeli military bases.

• The Israeli Ports Authority instructed air traffic control to allow US refueling planes to land, reversing earlier restrictions from Transport Minister Miri Regev.
• Transport Minister Regev stated that the number of planes parked at Ben Gurion will be reduced to the agreed number, with additional planes moved to Israeli military bases.
• The Israeli Transport Ministry announced that the number of US refueling planes at Ben Gurion will be cut to 20 by July 21.
• A senior US Air Force official stated that Israeli holidays should not take priority over national security.