Israel Receives New Refueling Aircraft from U.S.

The first of up to eight new aircraft has arrived in Israel from the U.S. after years of waiting, according to the IDF. The Jerusalem Post reports that the arrival of the new KC-46 will enhance the Israeli Air Force’s ability to refuel units operating in the field. This increases the potential for strikes on Iran without direct U.S. intervention, as the Israeli Air Force now has extended operational range. The KC-46 is the newest model available and can carry 15% more fuel than its predecessor.

On May 4, the Defense Ministry announced that the same KC-46 aircraft, which will be known as “Gideon” within the Israeli air force, had conducted a maiden test flight in the US and was expected to be delivered to the Jewish state in about a month.

This delivery could be a game-changer in providing Israel with much greater independence regarding whether it may decide to strike the Islamic regime, the Yemen Houthis, and any other potential distant adversaries in the future, even if some later US administration may oppose such a strike.

In the short term, the move is suddenly less necessary and less imminent than once imagined.

Israeli assumptions had always been that the IDF might need to attack Iran without American help, which could require midair refueling.

The KC-46 can transport approximately 110 troops and support 22 different medical rescue configurations. It can also fly continuously for up to 16 hours. Depending on fuel allocation, it can refuel up to a dozen aircraft, though not drones.

At the same time, Iran announced that it has drafted a proposal with the U.S. that would keep the Strait of Hormuz open under a UN Security Council guarantee within two months. The IDF also reported eliminating a Hamas military commander in a strike on Gaza earlier today.

The IDF has come under attack from Hezbollah drone strikes in southern Lebanon as operations expand in the area. Troops also eliminated a terrorist attempting to recover a downed drone.

The Fellowship and our supporters continue praying for the IDF and U.S. soldiers fighting against terror and for those who vigilantly watch over the Holy Land.