Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said US Air Force fighters and bombers recently launched from Israeli bases to strike targets in Iran and warned that Israel and its allies will retaliate if attacked. The IDF intercepted several drones near the Jordanian border that are believed to have been launched by Iran‑backed militias in Iraq. Katz also discussed coordination with the US ahead of a Netanyahu‑Trump meeting and criticized regional rhetoric from Turkey. National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir outlined plans to retain ministry control and to relax rules on the use of force by police and the military.
US Aircraft Launched From Israeli Bases To Strike Iran, Israel’s Defense Minister Says
A USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber conducts midair refueling, March 5, 2026. (photo credit: ISRAEL AIR FORCE)
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told Channel 14 that United States Air Force fighters and bombers recently used Israeli air bases to carry out strikes on targets in Iran. Katz said the missions were flown from Israeli soil and warned that Israel and its allies are prepared to respond forcefully if attacked.
"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 said.
Katz added that "the Iranians know" the jets departed from Israel to conduct the missions and dismissed threats against Israel, saying "the arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed."
Security Incidents Near Jordanian Border
The defense minister said the Israel Defense Forces intercepted at least three drones near the Jordanian border on Monday and Tuesday. A Jerusalem Post source told reporters the drones were likely launched by Iran‑backed Shiite militias in Iraq. "We know how to manage things, and we are prepared," Katz said in response to those developments.
Coordination With Washington
Katz said Iran will be on the agenda when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington. "The US has interests in Iran that exceed those of Israel," he said, adding that "Trump understands that Israel will not withdraw from buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria."
Defense Minister Israel Katz attends the Muni Expo 2026 conference in Tel Aviv, on June 24, 2026 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
Gaza, Turkey And Regional Tensions
Discussing Gaza, Katz said he visited the territory a week earlier and that "there are still huge tunnels there." He suggested that talks about establishing settlements in Gaza should wait until it is clear whether Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement.
On relations with Turkey, Katz warned of a potentially dangerous "Muslim Brotherhood axis" and told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "I suggest ... not to mess with us," stressing Israel's responsibility to protect its interests.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir's Remarks
In a separate Channel 14 interview, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir said his Otzma Yehudit party would retain control of the National Security Ministry and that he would not join a government without judicial reforms. He accused Attorney‑General Gali Baharav Miara of effectively being "ousted," while noting she continued to be invited to meetings.
Ben‑Gvir outlined planned reforms for the Israel Police and the prison service, asserting that under his leadership "the police are more free to shoot" and that "terrorists are afraid to enter Israeli prisons." He also argued the IDF should face fewer constraints on opening fire, saying forces should be "more free" to act against people throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails — "not to kill for no reason, but to protect the lives of our citizens." He said he expects military commanders to enable that stance.
Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.
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