US Air Force took off from Israel to strike Iran , Defense Minister Katz says

What Happened

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a Channel 14 interview that US Air Force fighter jets and bombers took off from Israeli air bases to carry out strikes on Iran in recent weeks. Katz claimed 'the Iranians know' and warned of Israeli readiness to strike Iran again. The remarks come amid heightened tensions: on Monday and Tuesday, the IDF intercepted at least three drones near the Jordanian border, likely launched by Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq, according to a source speaking to The Jerusalem Post. Katz also confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington will address Iran, adding that 'the US has interests in Iran that exceed those of Israel.' Separately, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in another Channel 14 interview, linked his party's return to the government to judicial reforms and called for fewer restrictions on IDF and police use of force.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The claim signals unprecedented US operational use of Israeli bases against Iran, underscoring deepening military coordination and Israel's proxy role in the US-Iran shadow war. It escalates regional tensions amid ongoing drone incidents and could complicate ceasefire talks in Gaza and Lebanon, especially given Katz's assertion that Israel will not withdraw from buffer zones. The upcoming Netanyahu-Trump meeting may set a course for coordinated policy, potentially affecting negotiations and Iran's calculus.

Watch For

Verification or denial of Katz's claim by US officials; outcomes of the Netanyahu-Trump meeting, including any public commitments on Iran or buffer zones; a possible spike in drone or missile activity along Israel's borders; Iranian or militia retaliatory rhetoric or actions; and whether the claim influences Netanyahu's domestic political calculations, including negotiations with Ben-Gvir's party.