The Bush administration refused an Israeli request to purchase several new Boeing 767 refueling jets because the U.S. does not want Israel to attack Iran, Channel 10 reported Wednesday. The Israeli request was made during Defense Minister Ehud Barak's latest visit to Washington and was turned down.
Israel currently uses seven outdated Boeing 707 refueling jets, some of which are over 40 years old. Following the American refusal, Israel may modify an existing Boeing jet so that it can serve for refueling.
Refueling jets are necessary to enable long range missions such as an attack on Iran, which is located 1,000 km. from Israel.