Israeli Ministers Bar US Refueling Jets at Ben Gurion, Warn Iran of Devastating Retaliation

Transport Minister Miri Regev ordered that no additional U.S. aerial refueling aircraft be permitted to land at Ben Gurion Airport beyond the roughly 20 that are already there. She said the measure is needed to protect commercial flight schedules and ticket revenue for the summer, directing any excess planes to other Israeli air bases. U.S. officials responded that the ban harms the operational needs of American forces operating in the region.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel is prepared for any scenario and warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would deliver a "crushing blow" to Iran. The remarks come as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise.