US providing refuelling tankers to Israel
Israel’s Defence Minister Benny Gantz visited an American Air Force Base on Wednesday, where he toured military fuel tankers made by Boeing that the US is providing Israel under an agreement reached in February.
Benny Gantz inspects tanker Photo credit: U.S. Central Command, Sgt. John Onuoha
The acquisition came after Israel also received a squadron of F-35 stealth multirole combat aircraft.
“I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Defense for approving the important agreement for the provision of fuel tankers to Israel,” said Gantz. “I began promoting this agreement, which includes the expedited implementation of U.S. FMF, two years ago, in coordination with the Ministries of Finance and Justice.”
“The refuelling aircraft that are being purchased, along with the procurement of the F-35 squadron, helicopters, submarines and advanced munition, will enable the IDF to face security challenges near and far,” said Gantz. “This is yet another testament to the powerful alliance and strategic ties between the defence establishments and governments of Israel and the United States.”
