Ben Gurion becomes a US military hub

ALBAWABA – More than 50 American aerial refueling planes remain at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport weeks after the ceasefire, raising worries about Washington’s long-term military posture in the region and continued readiness for possible future operations.

The Financial Times says the concentration of U.S. tanker planes began before the joint U.S.-Israeli military assault against Iran and has not been reduced since the fighting ended. However, the deployment has apparently grown, indicating that military planners are retaining major operational capabilities even after the end of actual conflict.

Air-refueling aircraft are essential to long-range air operations, allowing fighter and bomber aircraft to stay airborne for longer durations and carry out strikes deep inside enemy territory, far from their home bases. The persistence of the big tanker fleet shows preparations for rapid response options if regional tensions flare again, defense analysts believe.

The deployment has also raised alarm in Israel’s aviation sector. Ben Gurion is the country’s main civilian gate and the heavy military activity has raised worries about air traffic management, security dangers and the airport’s expanding strategic position.

The study mentioned that Israel already owns dedicated military airbases, such as Nevatim and Ramon, capable of staging large-scale operations. But it is not apparent why much of this is still Ben Gurion airport.

Officials and industry watchers also fear the airport’s growing military role might make it a potential target in any future conflict. Some accounts say the American presence might last a long time, maybe for years to come.

The development underscores that while a ceasefire may have stopped direct violence, military preparations and strategic placement across the region are still very much in place. 
 

المصدر: Al Bawaba