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Jets on the ground - US aircraft crowd tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport as Israel and Iran trade fresh strikes

"Rows of American fighter jets were seen parked at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, as Israel and Iran traded fresh strikes in the largest escalation since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April. The aircraft are understood to be US Air Force aerial refuelling tankers, including Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. While combat aircraft are reportedly operating from more secure military bases, the tankers remain stationed at the airport as part of expanded regional US operations. Israeli media estimate that dozens of tankers are currently on site, creating significant strain on civilian aviation operations at Israel's busiest international airport. Parking stands are reportedly heavily occupied, leaving limited capacity for commercial aircraft. Last month, Israel's Civil Aviation Authority chief Shmuel Zakay reportedly warned Transportation Minister Miri Regev in a letter that "Ben Gurion is operating like a military base rather than a civilian airport." Iran launched missiles against Israel on Sunday - with Tehran saying it was responding to the latest IDF attacks on Beirut - while Israel defied US President Donald Trump's call to stand down. On Sunday, President Trump announced via a post on Truth Social that Israel and Iran are 'looking to do an immediate ceasefire,' adding: "Final negotiations on 'peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way." Following Trump's statement, the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters announced a "cessation of operations by the armed forces," claiming they had delivered a 'painful response' to Israel. Monday marks the 100th day of the very first US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Iran responded by launching attacks on its Gulf neighbours - saying it was targeting US assets - while those Arab countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and others, condemned Tehran's strikes as a violation of sovereignty, and a threat to regional security."

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