Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attends a situation assessment meeting (center) [Photo courtesy of the Israeli Ministry of Defense]

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on the 5th (local time) that the rescue of U.S. pilots was the result of close cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli military authorities.

Immediately after a situation assessment meeting with the Israeli military leadership, Minister Gallant said, "This operation is another testament to how closely Israel and the United States can coordinate, even in the most complex moments."

He did not specify Israel's role in rescuing the U.S. fighter jet pilots who were shot down over Iran.

However, according to Israeli defense officials, Israel's intelligence assets provided crucial assistance in the search and rescue operation, the daily Times of Israel reported.

Furthermore, these officials stated that the Israeli Air Force indirectly supported the U.S. rescue efforts by temporarily delaying planned airstrikes near the operational area while the U.S. search operations were underway.

Minister Gallant also sent a strong warning message to Iran.

He warned, "If missile attacks against Israeli civilians continue, Iran will pay a heavy price, and its national infrastructure will be completely destroyed."

He added, explaining the background of the Israeli military's strikes on Iranian petrochemical facilities, "Iran's petrochemical industry has generated approximately $18 billion in revenue for the terrorist organization Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past two years, and these funds have been directly channeled into Iran's missile production industry."