US Condemns Israeli Defense Minister Katz for Revealing US Airstrike Secrets, IDF Chief Apologizes

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) expressed strong displeasure after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz disclosed operational details about American fighter jets taking off from Israel to strike Iran. According to an Israeli military source cited by Saudi channel Al-Arabiya on Wednesday, Katz's revelation prompted CENTCOM to demand an explanation. The source added that IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir was compelled to apologize to the CENTCOM commander following Katz's statements.

Katz made the remarks during an interview at the Israel Security Conference broadcast on Channel 14, stating that "the Iranians fire at everything in the area except one country, the State of Israel, because they know American jets take off from here and refuel here to attack. There is deterrence." This disclosure of US military operations from Israeli territory reportedly triggered a high alert status.

The IDF spokesperson denied reports of any conversation between Zamir and the CENTCOM commander and distanced the military from Katz's comments. The incident highlights tensions between Israeli political statements and US military operational security amid ongoing regional threats from Iran.