JERUSALEM (Saeed Amouri/Anadolu)

Hebrew media reported Friday that the United States has begun reinforcing its military presence in Israel, planning to send 10 refueling aircraft to the country within the next two days amid escalating tensions with Iran and the possibility of expanding military operations.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that about 10 US refueling aircraft are expected to arrive in Israel within the next two days, joining dozens of aircraft that arrived earlier, as part of accelerating the deployment of US forces in the region.

According to the newspaper, this step coincides with discussions within the Trump administration regarding possible military options against Iran, including expanding airstrikes, targeting nuclear facilities and infrastructure, as well as an underground nuclear site under construction.

The Yedioth Ahronoth report indicated that the United States continues to carry out military strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area for several consecutive days, while Washington considers broader escalation that may be decided upon in the coming days.

In response, Iran continues its attacks on US positions and bases in several countries in the region, increasing tensions and raising fears of a slide into a wider confrontation.

On Wednesday, the Israel Broadcasting Authority (official) said that "after an American protest conveyed to Israel, restrictions on the landing of US military refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport were lifted today."

Earlier, Yedioth Ahronoth said that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) complained to the Israeli military about the decision to prevent additional US refueling aircraft from landing at Ben Gurion Airport.

According to the newspaper, a crisis erupted between the two sides following the freezing of a plan to withdraw US refueling aircraft from the airport, intended to make room for civilian aircraft during the peak summer season.

On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that included a ceasefire, and began negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar to end the aggression launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.

However, US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 the termination of the ceasefire amid renewed escalation, after Tehran attacked three ships a day earlier while they were crossing the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they did not adhere to the navigation route it had set, prompting Washington to launch attacks on targets inside Iran.

Washington supports the passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on a route different from the one set by Iran, which Tehran rejects, asserting that it targets any ship that does not coordinate with it before crossing the strategic strait for global energy supplies.