JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The U.S. military has started drawing down its fleet of aerial refueling tankers stationed at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, Israeli and American officials said Tuesday.

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The adjustment comes at Israel’s request to free up space for expanded civilian flight operations ahead of the busy summer travel season. The move does not signal any reduction in overall U.S. military presence in the Middle East, officials emphasized.

The relocated tankers remain in the region, keeping total American aircraft numbers unchanged and preserving readiness for potential operations against Iran should diplomatic efforts fail, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.

The temporary surge of U.S. refueling and cargo aircraft had led to congestion at Ben Gurion, raising concerns about disruptions to passenger travel during peak summer months. The partial drawdown is intended to ease capacity pressures while maintaining the strategic posture in the area.

The change highlights the continued close coordination between the U.S. and Israel amid persistent regional tensions, including threats from Iran and its proxies.No timeline was provided for the full completion of the tanker relocation.