Katz: Israel Says US Bombers Used its Bases to Strike Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted on Tuesday that American warplanes utilized Israeli bases during their recent attacks on Iran. Katz reiterated Israel's firm stance, emphasizing the country's preparedness to retaliate with full force should it come under attack from Iran.

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The fact is that, at the moment -- and this could change within an hour -- the Iranians are firing at everything in the region except one country: the State of Israel.

Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have been on pause since Friday, following 13 nights of U.S. strikes. These strikes occurred after a ceasefire agreement reached in April collapsed. Israel has not directly participated in this latest round of conflict, which began in late February with a series of U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

"The fact is that, at the moment -- and this could change within an hour -- the Iranians are firing at everything in the region except one country: the State of Israel," Katz told Israel's right-wing Channel 14. He added, "They know that American aircraft are taking off from here to carry out strikes." Katz stressed that while Israel does not know what the future holds, it is clear about its response: "if Israel comes under fire, we will strike back with full force."

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They know that American aircraft are taking off from here to carry out strikes.

This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Monday regarding the prospects for a negotiated peace deal with Iran. The two nations had maintained a ceasefire for three consecutive days prior to Katz's remarks.

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This does not mean we know what will happen tomorrow; it means we know what our response will be. I announced it, the Prime Minister announced it, and we made it absolutely clear: if Israel comes under fire, we will strike back with full force.