Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned of a possible renewed military campaign against Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
According to a statement released by his office, Katz made the remarks during a high-level situational assessment attended by top Israeli defence and intelligence officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, and senior representatives from the Mossad and Shin Bet.
The meeting, described as multi-scenario in scope, focused on Israel’s regional security posture, particularly the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Katz reiterated the importance of maintaining Israel’s air superiority — an advantage gained during Operation Rising Lion — and called for the development of a robust enforcement strategy to prevent Iran from reviving its nuclear and missile capabilities.
“The future of regional security lies in preventing Iran from rebuilding its dangerous arsenal,” Katz was quoted as saying. He further underlined that Israeli forces must remain prepared for any future threats emerging from Iran or its regional proxies.
Gaza, Yemen, and the regional front
Addressing broader regional concerns, the Defence Minister acknowledged that two fronts — Gaza and Yemen — remain active, requiring continued military attention. Katz said operations in these areas must align with Israel’s current “aggressive offensive policy,” which he credited with neutralising threats from Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
He also confirmed the continued deployment of IDF troops in sensitive areas of Syria and Lebanon, emphasising the need to safeguard Israeli border communities. “These deployments are not just tactical—they are strategic anchors to deter any escalation,” he added.
Operations in the West Bank
Katz also praised the IDF’s ongoing operations in the occupied West Bank, particularly in northern Samaria’s refugee camps, describing them as effective in disrupting emerging militant networks.
He instructed military leadership to maintain presence in these camps and remain prepared to take “forceful action” if any new threats were to materialise.
Renewed warning to Iran
Katz’s latest remarks come weeks after a stern warning issued to Tehran during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots. At the time, he stated that Israeli pilots represented the “long arm” of the IDF, capable of reaching any Iranian city — including Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz.
The statement was interpreted as a signal of Israel’s readiness to act preemptively if Iran crosses what Israeli officials view as red lines in nuclear development.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months amid growing international concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and its support for armed groups across the region.
While no immediate military action was announced, Tuesday’s statements suggest that Israeli officials are keeping military options on the table as part of their broader deterrence strategy.
Katz reaffirmed that the goals of the ongoing war in Gaza remain unchanged: the return of all Israeli hostages and the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities.
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