Outgoing Air Force chief: Israel worked closely with US on Iran, but won’t cede independence

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Outgoing IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar speaks at a handover ceremony at the Tel Nof Airbase, May 5, 2026. (Screenshot/IDF)
Outgoing IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar speaks at a handover ceremony at the Tel Nof Airbase, May 5, 2026. (Screenshot/IDF)

Outgoing IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar says Israel will maintain its ability to act independently against Iran, following the joint war with the United States against the Islamic Republic.

“We fought Iran shoulder to shoulder with the number one superpower in the world, in cooperation and with unprecedented operational achievements,” he says.

“We shared the most intimate intelligence, worked together on the plans, and flew together, two air forces that are a tremendous and unified force,” Bar continues.

He says the IAF “will preserve this capability, but we will also not give up our ability to act independently.”

“Even at these very moments, we are alert and prepared for any development, in defense and in offense,” Bar adds.

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