New US Military Move May Be Ominous Sign

In a sign that doesn't bode well for a quick end to rising hostility with Iran, the US is about to beef up its ability to unleash a major air attack in the region. Axios reports that the US has informed Israel that it's sending dozens of military refueling planes there, on top of the roughly 60 already operating from Ben Gurion and Ramon airports. Ynet News reports that the American aerial tankers are expected to arrive over the course of Friday and Saturday, adding that they will likely be spread around at Israeli air force bases.

That arrangement could ease a political headache for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, because military planes have been clogging Ben Gurion just as summer travel resumes. In terms of the war, the Pentagon has been ramping up its airstrikes in recent days, and Iran accused the US of striking civilian sites as well overnight Thursday. The administration is reportedly reviewing a further escalation that includes power facilities, nuclear sites, and a suspected underground complex known as Pickaxe Mountain. Iran has similarly stepped up attacks on US-linked sites around the region.