Katz revealed that U.S. aircraft have been taking off from Israel to carry out strikes against Iran.
By United with Israel Staff
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that the United States is currently preventing Israel from striking Iran’s energy infrastructure, while emphasizing that Israel remains prepared to act independently if Tehran attacks again.
Speaking with Noam Amir at Israel’s Channel 14 Security Conference, Katz said the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington would focus on Iran, while noting that “the United States has interests in Iran that go beyond those of Israel.”
“We very much want to strike Iran’s energy targets,” Katz said. “The United States is not approving it at the moment.”
Katz also revealed that U.S. aircraft have been taking off from Israel to carry out strikes against Iran, underscoring the close military cooperation between the two allies.
Reflecting on Israel’s recent campaign against Iran, Katz said, “The arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed.”
He warned that Israel has delivered a clear message to Tehran: “If they fire at Israel, we will strike with full force. We are prepared to hit Iran on our own.”
Turning to regional threats, Katz warned that Turkey could pose a growing challenge to Israel.
“The Muslim Brotherhood axis could become very dangerous,” he said. “We are responsible for safeguarding our own interests. I suggest Erdogan not mess with us.”
Katz also said Trump understands Israel’s position on maintaining security zones in the region.
“The president understands that we will not leave the buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria,” he said.
After visiting Gaza last week, Katz said Hamas continues to maintain an extensive tunnel network.
“There are still enormous tunnels there,” he said.
Addressing the possible establishment of new Nahal settlements in Gaza, Katz said the timing would depend on Hamas.
“The right moment will be when it is declared that Hamas has failed to uphold the agreement,” he said.
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