Israel–U.S. alliance against Iran is “changing history”
Israel’s defense minister said the close military coordination between Jerusalem and Washington during the campaign against Iran is reshaping events in the region.
During an overnight call on Wednesday, Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the joint military effort known in Israel as “Operation Roaring Lion” and in the United States as “Operation Epic Fury.” According to a statement from Katz’s office released Thursday, he praised the partnership between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the cooperation between the two countries “is changing history.”
Katz also expressed condolences for the deaths of six American service members killed during the campaign. He emphasized that Israel will continue doing everything possible to help safeguard U.S. troops involved in the operation.
The Israeli minister thanked Hegseth for what he described as strong American backing and extensive assistance in protecting Israeli civilians from Iranian missile attacks.
Katz highlighted what he called “close and unprecedented cooperation” between the Israeli and American militaries as they work to meet the objectives of the campaign.
According to the Israeli readout, Hegseth thanked Katz for his condolences and praised both the coordination between the two militaries and the operational capabilities of the Israel Defense Forces.
“Keep going to the end—we are with you,” the U.S. defense secretary told his Israeli counterpart.
Both officials agreed to remain in constant contact and continue coordinating closely as the operation progresses.
Earlier in the week, Hegseth publicly commended Israel as a dependable partner in confronting shared threats. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing about Operation Epic Fury, he contrasted Israel with some traditional allies that hesitate to use military force.
The United States, he said, has clear operational goals in the campaign against Iran, adding that Israel’s military also has defined missions that contribute to the broader effort.
Senate rejects resolution seeking to limit U.S. military action against Iran
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to block a measure that would have required President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces involved in hostilities with Iran.
The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), was defeated 53–47 in a vote that largely followed party lines. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) broke with most members of his party to oppose the measure, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to support it.
Kaine’s proposal sought to invoke the War Powers Resolution to compel the administration to end U.S. military involvement in the conflict with Iran unless Congress formally authorized the action.
Many Democrats have criticized the strikes against Iran as unlawful, arguing that the president should have obtained congressional approval before launching military operations. Some lawmakers in the party have said they support the removal of Iran’s regime but insist that the administration must present its case to Congress first.
The Trump administration maintains that it is operating within the framework of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires presidents to notify Congress after initiating military action and allows a limited window—generally 60 to 90 days—for the use of force before additional authorization is required.
Presidents from both parties have frequently challenged parts of the law, questioning whether some of its provisions are constitutional. The legislation originally became law after Congress overrode a veto by President Richard Nixon.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is expected to consider a similar war powers resolution later this week, though it is also expected to fail.
IDF says more than 5,000 Israeli airstrikes have hit targets across Iran
Israel’s military says its air campaign against Iran has already involved thousands of strikes as it seeks to secure control of the skies over the country.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli Air Force has fired more than 5,000 munitions at Iranian targets since the start of the current operation. Many of the strikes have focused on locations around Tehran.
In the most recent attack, Israeli aircraft destroyed an Iranian defense system used by the regime. The military later released missile-perspective footage showing the strike.
The IDF said the broader objective of the campaign is to expand Israel’s aerial superiority across Iranian territory.
By targeting air defenses and other military assets, the Israeli military aims to ensure that its aircraft can continue operating freely throughout the country as the operation continues.
