Outgoing Israel Air Force chief Maj.-Gen. Ido Nehushtan said Monday, May 21 that public discourse on a possible Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities was "exaggerated and damaging."

The Jerusalem Post reports that speaking with Army Radio, Nehushtan said, "The public discourse on the issue of attacking Iran is exaggerated and damaging, unproductive from an operational perspective, and taking place without the proper information."

The general public, he added, is unaware of the details and liable to work up unnecessary fears.

"There are some things you only understand sitting in this chair," he said, adding: "The air force is ready and effective for the challenges it will be required to face."