Katz also says Iran, regional security and ceasefire issues will feature in Netanyahu-Trump talks
JERUSALEM: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that US Air Force fighter jets and bombers operated from Israeli air bases during recent strikes on Iran, according to remarks made in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14.
Katz claimed that Iranian authorities were aware that US aircraft had departed from Israel to conduct the operations. He also asserted that Iran’s military position had been significantly weakened following the recent confrontation.
The minister reiterated Israel’s warning that it would respond forcefully to any future attacks from Iran, saying the country remained prepared to launch further military action if necessary.
His comments came amid heightened regional tensions following weeks of military exchanges involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Drone interceptions and regional threats
Katz’s remarks followed reports that the Israeli military intercepted at least three drones near the Jordanian border on Monday and Tuesday.
According to The Jerusalem Post, a source familiar with the matter said the drones were believed to have been launched by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. Israeli authorities have not publicly released further operational details, while there has been no immediate comment from the groups allegedly involved.
The defence minister said Israel remained prepared to respond to evolving security threats across the region.
Netanyahu-Trump meeting to address Iran
Katz also confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington would include discussions on Iran and broader regional security issues.
He said the United States has strategic interests in Iran that extend beyond Israel’s concerns and added that Trump understands Israel’s position regarding its military presence in buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.
Katz further claimed that significant tunnel infrastructure remains in Gaza and suggested that discussions about establishing Israeli settlements in the territory would depend on Hamas’ compliance with any ceasefire arrangements.
Addressing relations with Türkiye, Katz warned against what he described as threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and cautioned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against actions that could further escalate tensions. His remarks reflect Israel’s position and have not been independently verified.
