According to Israeli business daily Calcalist, the incoming aircraft will join 30 US refuelling planes already parked at the airport.

Citing the Israel Airports Authority, the report said the unusually large military presence has placed significant operational pressure on Ben Gurion Airport, contributing to civil flight delays of around two hours in recent days.

Officials warned that disruptions could worsen once the additional aircraft arrive.

The report noted that the airport is currently in its peak summer travel season, when passenger traffic is typically at its highest.

Earlier this month, Israel’s Transportation Ministry said it had reached an agreement with US authorities to reduce the number of American refuelling aircraft at Ben Gurion to 20 by July 21, with the remaining planes to be relocated to Israeli Air Force bases.

US aerial refuelling aircraft have been deployed at Ben Gurion Airport and other locations across Israel since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.

The latest deployment comes amid growing reports of military preparations as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.

Israeli media reported on Saturday that Israel’s defence establishment was preparing for the possibility of a major US military strike on Iran, after US President Donald Trump warned a day earlier that Washington was prepared to hit Iran “very hard” if necessary.