Israel’s defense minister warns of more action against Iran: "We may need to act again soon"

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared today (Thursday) that Israel may act again against Iran. He made the remarks at a memorial ceremony for the fallen of the Six-Day War and the War of Attrition at Mount Herzl.

According to Katz, although Iran has suffered a significant blow, Israel has not yet completed its strategic objectives: "Iran has taken very heavy blows over the past year — and yet our mission is not over. We must complete the objectives of the campaign. As I have said before — we are prepared for the possibility that we may soon need to act again to ensure these objectives are achieved."

He said Israel must ensure "that Iran does not once again become a threat to the existence of Israel — and to the United States and the free world — for generations to come." Katz repeated his warning: "As I have said before: we are prepared for the possibility that we may soon need to act again to ensure these objectives are achieved."

In his speech, the defense minister compared the achievements of the current fighting to the Six-Day War: "The many achievements of the 'War of Rebirth,' the exceptional successes in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, and of course the heroism of our fighters in the air, on land, and at sea — all of these strongly recall the Six-Day War." He added that "between the capture of the Golan in the Six-Day War and control of Mount Hermon's summit in the War of Rebirth runs a clear line of commitment and sacrifice."

Katz also addressed the ongoing fighting against Hezbollah, saying that Israel is working to remove the threat to northern residents. According to him, "Hezbollah has suffered very heavy blows over the past two and a half years, including during 'Operation Lion's Roar'." He added: "The homes in the first line of villages that served terror activity are being destroyed at this very moment. Aita al-Shaab — is no more."

The defense minister stated that "hundreds of thousands of Shiite residents have been evacuated from their homes for their protection and are now refugees in their own country — and they will not return until Hezbollah disarms." He said that in the Lebanese arena as well, Israel is determined "to finish the job" to remove the threat facing residents of the north and the State of Israel as a whole.

Katz also referred to the drone threat and said the defense establishment is acting on multiple fronts: "We are well aware of the drone threat. Yesterday we held another discussion among the many we have already held on the issue. Alongside solutions already implemented in the field, there are several additional technological and operational solutions, and the entire defense establishment is mobilized to address this."

He concluded by addressing the explosive drone strike in Rosh HaNikra: "I wish a speedy recovery, at this moment, to the civilians who were injured today by an explosive drone in Rosh HaNikra." He ended his message to Hezbollah with a clear warning: "Hezbollah will pay the full price. We promised security to the residents of the north, and so we will do."