Aerial refueling allows fighter jets to extend their range dramatically without landing, enabling longer missions, strikes deep into hostile territory, or sustained air patrols. For Israel, which has limited geography and relies on long-range strikes (especially against distant targets like Iran), U.S. tanker support provides critical "reach.

"U.S. tankers (KC-135s or KC-46s) have been used in the region to support allied operations.
The IAF operates its own tankers (e.g., modified Boeing 707s or KC-707s), but joint ops with U.S. assets enhance coordination, share procedures, and build readiness for combined missions.

Such drills or support missions are routine in the U.S.-Israel alliance but gain heightened visibility during active conflicts.