US Air Force fighter jets and bombers took off from Israeli air bases to carry out strikes on Iran in recent weeks, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in an interview with right-wing TV outlet Channel 14’s “Bitchonistim” on Tuesday.
“The Iranians know” that the jets have taken off from Israel to strike Iran, Katz said.
“The arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed,” Katz added.
“We announced in the clearest terms that if Israel is fired upon, we will attack with all our might. We are prepared to strike Iran,” Katz warned.
On Monday and Tuesday, the IDF intercepted at least three drones in the Jordanian border region. A source told The Jerusalem Post that the drones were likely launched by Iran-backed Shi’ite militias in Iraq. “We know how to manage things, and we are prepared,” Katz said when asked about these developments.
שר הביטחון כ״ץ חושף: מטוסי קרב אמריקאים ממריאים מישראל לתקיפות באירן, האירנים יודעים pic.twitter.com/OlJpLp2eSL
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Netanyahu, Trump’s Washington meeting will include discussing Iran, Katz confirms
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington will discuss Iran, and the “US has interests in Iran that exceed those of Israel,” Katz said.
“Trump understands that Israel will not withdraw from buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria,” Katz stated.
“I visited Gaza a week ago; there are still huge tunnels there,” he continued.
“The right timing [to discuss establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip] is the moment it is announced that Hamas did not comply with the ceasefire agreement,” he said.
Katz was also asked about the threat of Turkey and its rhetoric against Israel. “The Muslim Brotherhood axis could be very dangerous… we are responsible for protecting our interests. I suggest to [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan not to mess with us,” Katz told Channel 14.
