Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority has called on the government to remove U.S. military aircraft from Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, warning that their presence is severely affecting civilian aviation operations and delaying the return of international carriers.
According to Israeli media, the request was made in a formal letter sent by Civil Aviation Authority Director General Shmuel Zakay to Transport Minister Miri Regev. The ministry confirmed receipt of the letter and verified its contents.
In the correspondence, Zakay stated that the airport had effectively turned into an “American military airfield,” creating operational disruptions for commercial airlines and complicating efforts to restore normal international flight services.
He recommended relocating U.S. military aircraft to Israeli air force bases as well as Ramon Airport near the southern city of Eilat to ease pressure on civilian aviation infrastructure.
Separately, the Israeli military reported that one of its helicopters was forced to remain grounded in southern Lebanon due to a technical malfunction during an evacuation mission. The operation was launched after Hezbollah targeted Israeli troops with an explosive drone, according to the military.
A second helicopter was deployed to complete the evacuation of wounded soldiers. The air force later repaired the technical fault, allowing the grounded helicopter to resume operations. Officials clarified that the aircraft was not hit by enemy fire.
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border continue despite a fragile ceasefire framework, with Israel recently intensifying strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, saying it was targeting Hezbollah positions.
According to official figures, four Israeli civilians and 18 soldiers have been killed in Hezbollah attacks since renewed fighting began on March 2. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,846 people and injured 8,693 others since the escalation.