Israel is preparing for a possible resumption of military conflict with Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced at a briefing for military correspondents. According to him, the war could start at any moment.
The head of the defense department emphasized that Israel would deliver a powerful retaliatory strike if Iran attacked its territory with missiles. "Israel will not accept a situation where Iran shells its territory with missiles," Katz stated.
In this regard, according to the minister, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to prepare for an independent operation in Iran. He noted that the army is ready for both defensive and offensive actions and has a ready database of targets for strikes.
Regarding relations with the United States, Katz assured that Israel does not intend to hinder President Donald Trump's initiatives, but on matters of self-defense, "there will be no compromises – neither in Lebanon nor in Iran."
Stance on Lebanon and Gaza
The minister also outlined Israel's position on other regional threats. He reported that Israel will not leave the security zone in Lebanon and will continue to counter Hezbollah. In the event of shelling of Israeli settlements by this group, he said, a strike would be launched against the Dahiya district in Beirut.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Katz declared Israel's commitment to achieving the disarmament of Hamas. He warned that if the group does not comply with the terms of the agreement, Israel "will finish this job itself."
The Defense Minister summarized that Israeli forces will not be withdrawn from security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria until threats from armed groups operating there are eliminated.
Economic Front
Speaking at the National Staff for Economic Warfare Against Terrorism conference, Israel Katz called economic pressure on Iran one of the key directions for ensuring Israel's security. Heads of Shin Bet and Mossad also participated in the event.
Every dollar that enters the ayatollahs' treasury is a dollar that turns into a ballistic missile in Iran, a drone in Lebanon, a rocket in Gaza, a UAV in Yemen. Every dollar can find its way to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other terrorist proxies of Tehran… Therefore, the economic campaign against Iran is one of the most important fronts in the fight for Israel's security.