US coordinated strikes on Iranian targets from Israeli bases during ceasefire, Katz confirms

US Air Force fighter jets and bombers departed from Israeli air bases to execute strikes against Iran in recent weeks, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated during an interview with the right-wing TV outlet Channel 14 on Tuesday.

The Iranians are aware that the aircraft have taken off from Israel to hit targets in Iran, Katz noted.

The once-arrogant power that vowed to eliminate Israel has now fallen, Katz added.

We issued the clearest statements that any attack on Israel would prompt a full-scale response with maximum force, and we stand ready to hit Iran, Katz cautioned.

On Monday and Tuesday, the IDF shot down at least three drones near the Jordanian border area. A source indicated to The Jerusalem Post that the drones were probably sent by Iran-supported Shiite groups based in Iraq. We understand how to handle situations and remain ready, Katz remarked when questioned about these events.

Netanyahu, Trump's Washington meeting will include discussing Iran, Katz confirms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming discussion with US President Donald Trump in Washington will cover Iran, and the United States holds interests there that go beyond those of Israel, Katz explained.

Trump recognizes that Israel will not pull back from buffer zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, Katz asserted.

I toured Gaza a week ago and observed that massive tunnels still exist there, he went on.

The appropriate moment to address setting up settlements in the Gaza Strip arrives when it is declared that Hamas has failed to honor the ceasefire deal, he said.

Katz was also questioned regarding the threat from Turkey and its statements against Israel. The Muslim Brotherhood network could pose serious risks, and we must safeguard our own interests. I advise Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against provoking us, Katz told Channel 14.

Ben-Gvir says he will not join Netanyahu government without judicial reform

In a separate Channel 14 interview on Tuesday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that the National Security Ministry would stay under the direction of his Otzma Yehudit party.

He further declared that he would refuse to enter Netanyahu's government absent judicial reform, specifically noting that Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara had been removed yet continues to receive meeting invitations.

Ben-Gvir also addressed his changes to the Israel Police and prison services, explaining that under his guidance the police have greater freedom to open fire and that terrorists now fear entering Israeli prisons.

He added that he believed the IDF should face fewer limits when opening fire.

I think the IDF must also gain more freedom when dealing with individuals who hurl rocks and Molotov cocktails, he said, clarifying that this is not about killing without cause but about defending the lives of our citizens. I expect the Chief of Staff and the Central Command Commander to allow this.