Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz gave an extensive interview to Channel 14, discussing the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, US relations, the expansion of settlements in Judea and Samaria, as well as regional diplomatic processes.
"We have achieved 80-90 percent of our goals in Iran"
Katz stated that Israel has achieved historic results in its confrontation with Iran and will launch military operations again if necessary to protect these successes.
According to him, Israel, together with the US, has dealt heavy blows to Iran's nuclear program, military industry, and strategic facilities.
"We achieved important results. We struck Iran twice and paralyzed its nuclear program. We acted together with the US and President Donald Trump. Iran's military-political leadership and military industry were seriously damaged. We have achieved about 80-90 percent of our goals," the defense minister said.
Katz stressed that Israel will under no circumstances allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons again or build military potential that would threaten Israel.
"We are ready to strike Iran a third time"
According to the minister, the Israeli Air Force has already achieved air superiority up to Tehran twice and managed to minimize Iran's missile launch capabilities in a short time.
"If Iran fires missiles at Israel, our response will be extremely harsh. The Israel Defense Forces have been instructed to be ready to conduct operations against Iran without US participation if necessary. Currently, the US is our main ally, but Israel has the power to act alone," Katz said.
The defense minister added that Israel wants to strike Iran's energy infrastructure. However, considering the possibility that this could cause a regional energy crisis, the US has not yet agreed to such an operation.
"Hamas will not be able to stay in Gaza"
Katz stated that Israel currently has the upper hand in the Gaza Strip and Hamas will not be allowed to continue its rule in the region.
According to him, Israel already controls more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, and this figure will reach 70 percent in the near future.
"We no longer conduct short-term raids. Civilians are evacuated, areas are taken under control with heavy strikes, our army stays in those positions and destroys both underground tunnels and surface infrastructure," the minister said.
"New settlements could be created in Gaza"
The defense minister noted that if Hamas is not disarmed, Israel will both continue military operations and start creating new Nahal settlements in the Dugit, Nisanit, and Elei Sinai regions in coordination with the US.
He stated that the implementation of this decision will be possible after an official announcement that Hamas has failed to fulfill its obligation to disarm.
"We will not withdraw from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria"
Katz emphasized that Israel does not intend to leave the security zones it has created in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
According to him, 24 villages used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have been destroyed, a security zone of about 700 square kilometers has been created, and the destruction of tunnels continues.
The minister stated that these security zones have become an integral part of Israel's defense strategy.
Relations with the US and new "Abraham Accords"
Touching upon relations with the US, Katz noted that despite some disagreements, Washington and Tel Aviv remain strategic allies.
According to him, President Donald Trump made decisions supporting Israel's interests at crucial moments, and coordination between the two countries will continue in the future.
The minister believes that Israel's military successes will pave the way for new diplomatic achievements in the future.
"Possible new 'Abraham Accords' with Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia will be achieved not through concessions, but thanks to Israel's strong position," he said.
"Settlement in Judea and Samaria will be expanded"
Katz stated that during his leadership, 104 new settlements were created in Judea and Samaria, and 160 agricultural farms were given official legal status.
According to him, dozens more new settlements are planned to be built in the near future.
Iranian threat against Netanyahu
The defense minister stated that Israeli intelligence agencies assess Iran's possible attack plans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the country's political and military leadership, as a real threat.
He noted that security agencies are taking all necessary measures to prevent this.