IDF source: Katz's disclosure of US strikes from Israel forced apology to CENTCOM, raised alert level

An IDF official briefing the Saudi Al-Hadath channel criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz for revealing that US aircraft operate from Israeli territory to strike Iran, according to the briefing. The official said the disclosure angered CENTCOM and forced IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to apologize to CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. Israel raised its alert level to 'very high' following the leak, the official added.

An IDF official briefed the Saudi Al-Hadath channel on Wednesday afternoon, criticizing Defense Minister Israel Katz for revealing operational secrets regarding US military cooperation with Israel. The official stated that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) was angered by Katz's disclosure that American fighter jets and refueling aircraft take off from Israeli territory to strike Iran. According to the briefing, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was compelled to apologize to CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper over the incident. The official further said that Israel raised its security alert level to 'very high' following the leak.

The disclosure by Katz, which The Zioneer reported earlier, occurred during a security conference hosted by Channel 14. Katz confirmed that U.S. aircraft had been operating from Israeli bases, a statement that the military censor later retroactively permitted for publication. The revelation sparked criticism from security officials who argued that only the Prime Minister is authorized to declassify such information.

The identity of the IDF official briefing Al-Hadath remains anonymous, and the report is based on a single source. The Zioneer has not independently verified the claim about the heightened alert level or the apology.

6 developments

1. 59 minutes ago · 15:10 · 29 JulLatest

   IDF denies Saudi report of diplomatic rift, confirms no CENTCOM call.

2. 14:58 · 29 Jul

   IDF explicitly labels the report 'fake' and denies any call occurred.

3. 14:44 · 29 Jul

   Military official denies IDF Chief apologized to CENTCOM commander.

• Developing1 hour ago · 15:03 · 29 JulKatz's disclosure of US strikes on Iran from Israeli bases ignites censorship row, CENTCOM friction
• Developing19:25 · 29 JunIsrael Defense Minister's bureau releases transcript to rebut reports of attack on Netanyahu, Trump
• Strong21:53 · 1 JulCENTCOM Commander holds talks in Israel and Lebanon on Washington framework; Katz says no withdrawal without Hezbollah disarmament
• Developing11:30 · 13 JulAnalysis: IDF chief should hold first press conference to amplify personnel crisis warnings

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