Israel served as launchpad for US attacks on Iran, says foreign minister

US Air Force fighter jets and bombers flew from Israeli bases to attack Iran in recent weeks, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said, highlighting Washington’s use of Israel as a launchpad for its widening regional war.

“The Iranians know” that the aircraft departed from Israel, Katz told the right-wing Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 on Tuesday.

“The arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed,” he said.

Katz then issued a fresh threat against Tehran: “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.”

Israel intercepted at least three drones near the Jordanian border on Monday and Tuesday.

“We know how to manage things, and we are prepared,” Katz said.