US Jets Striking Iran From Israeli Bases, Katz Reveals

Speaking at the "Channel 14" conference, Defense Minister Israel Katz disclosed unprecedented details regarding the extent of military coordination between Israel and the United States amid ongoing operations against Iran.

Katz confirmed that U.S. combat aircraft and aerial refueling tankers are utilizing bases within Israel to execute strike missions over Iranian territory, adding that leadership in Tehran is fully aware of these operations.

"It is a fact that right now, though this could change in an hour, the Iranians are firing across the entire region except at one country: the State of Israel", Katz stated. "This is despite knowing that American jets and refuelers are taking off from here to attack. They are not firing because deterrence is actively holding".

F-35 fighter jet (photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit)

Ready for Escalation

While highlighting the role of strategic deterrence in maintaining temporary quiet on the Israeli home front, Katz emphasized that security conditions remain volatile and subject to swift shifts.

The defense minister underscored that Israel maintains a strict response protocol in the event of any direct Iranian aggression.

"There is deterrence, but that does not guarantee what tomorrow will bring, only what our response will be", Katz noted. "I have stated, and the Prime Minister has stated in the clearest terms: if Israel is targeted, we will respond with all our power".

Preparedness for Independent Action

Addressing Israel's broader campaign against Iranian nuclear infrastructure and regional threats, Katz affirmed that the Israel Defense Forces remain fully prepared to conduct unilateral operations if necessary.

Reflecting on prior military strikes executed by the Israeli Air Force, Katz stressed that Israel retains complete operational freedom regardless of American coordination.

"We have struck Iran twice before, and we are fully prepared to strike a third time independently", Katz declared.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated in an interview with Axios that the timeline for diplomatic engagement with Tehran remains narrow, reiterating that Washington stands ready to expand military strikes if diplomatic negotiations fail to yield results.