Katz Unveils New Details on Operation “Hila”: Israeli Strike on Iran Coordinated with U.S., Backed by Secret Plan “Tornado”
Defense Minister Katz Reveals Planning Behind Israeli Strike on Iran: Operation “Hila” Aimed to Delay Nuclear Threat
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed new details on Monday about Operation “Hila,” the recent Israeli airstrike on Iran, outlining the strategic calculations and high-level coordination behind the mission.
Speaking at a press briefing, Katz disclosed that the operation was preceded by at least 14 high-level security meetings, during which officials debated whether the United States would join the strike or offer silent approval for Israel to act alone. In parallel, the Israeli Air Force ramped up its capabilities for penetrating deep into Iranian airspace.
The objective, set as early as January, was to disrupt and delay Iran’s nuclear weapons development, forcing Tehran to reevaluate its ambitions. While no formal U.S. green light was given, Katz said Washington’s silence was interpreted as tacit consent.
The operation was directed by a core team of four: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and the IDF Chief of Staff.
Katz also revealed a secondary initiative, Operation “Tornado,” developed under his direction to target key infrastructure in Tehran and deter retaliation against Israel’s home front.
The operations signal a calibrated shift in Israel’s posture—from containment to disruption—aimed at keeping Iran’s nuclear program in check while reinforcing regional deterrence.
Defense Minister Katz: Israel Dealt a Crushing Blow to Iran, Eyes Sustained Air Superiority and Strategic Control in Gaza
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed new operational details and strategic objectives following Operation “Hila”, the May 29-approved Israeli-led airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The strike, coordinated to coincide with Iranian leadership’s June 12 religious observances, was timed for maximum impact, with many regime officials expected to be at home.
Speaking at a press briefing, Katz declared the operation a resounding success, citing collaboration with the United States, including the deployment of B-2 bombers targeting nuclear sites. “We dealt a crushing blow to Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities,” Katz stated. “This was not just a message—it was a recalibration of the regional balance of power.”
Katz emphasized that Israel is now developing a comprehensive enforcement strategy to maintain air superiority over Iranian skies and ensure continued disruption of its missile and nuclear programs. “This is not a daily strike like in southern Lebanon. It’s a high-stakes game where dominance must be asserted at critical junctures,” he said.
On potential Iranian retaliation or missile program revival, Katz warned of the need to block external material support to Tehran. “Preventing Iranian rearmament is not just Israel’s task—it’s a global imperative,” he added.
Addressing internal cabinet tensions, Katz publicly defended the IDF Chief of Staff and praised the military’s performance in Gaza, noting that 70% of the territory is now under Israeli control. He clarified that the IDF secures, but does not administer, humanitarian zones, and highlighted Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s initiative to transfer humanitarian aid management in Gaza from Hamas to the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Looking ahead, Katz outlined plans for a new civilian zone in Rafah, designed to relocate up to 600,000 Gazan residents. This area, situated between the Morag and Philadelphi corridors, will be overseen by international agencies—not the Israeli military. However, Katz stressed that Israel will retain security control over the corridor itself, even in the event of a ceasefire or hostage deal. “This corridor is our red line. It must remain under Israeli control to prevent Hamas from rearming and rebuilding its terror infrastructure,” he said.
Katz concluded by affirming Israel’s long-term strategic posture: “This isn’t just about retaliation. It’s about deterrence, dominance, and ensuring that threats—whether in Tehran or Rafah—are neutralized before they metastasize.”
