IDF denies IDF chief apologized to CENTCOM head after Katz said USAF struck Iran from Israeli bases

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have refuted claims that its Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, apologized to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) following remarks by Defense Minister Israel Katz. Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya had reported that CENTCOM officials were outraged by Katz's comments, which revealed that U.S. planes were operating from Israeli bases to strike Iran, leading to Zamir issuing an apology.

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the publication regarding the conversation between the chief of staff and the CENTCOM commander [Adm. Brad Cooper] is incorrect. The chief of staff has not spoken with the CENTCOM commander since the minister's remarks were published.

According to Al-Arabiya's military sources, the revelation by Katz caused significant consternation within CENTCOM, prompting the reported apology. The report also suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was angered by Katz's statements and that a state of "maximum alert" was declared due to fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack against Israel. Katz himself had stated on a right-wing TV outlet that "the Iranians know” that jets have taken off from Israel to strike Iran.

However, the IDF has categorically dismissed the Al-Arabiya report as incorrect. A statement from the IDF clarified that the chief of staff has not spoken with the CENTCOM commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, since the minister's remarks were published. This denial directly contradicts the Saudi outlet's account of a conversation and subsequent apology.

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the Iranians know” that the jets have taken off from Israel to strike Iran.

Recent events have also seen the IDF intercepting at least three drones in the Jordanian border region, which a source suggested were likely launched by Iran-backed Shi’ite militias in Iraq. In response to such developments, Katz reiterated Israel's preparedness, stating, "We know how to manage things, and we are prepared." He also issued a warning, "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."

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We know how to manage things, and we are prepared. The arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed. 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.