In brief
On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the mission against Iran is not yet complete, renewing calls that Tehran is attempting to revive its nuclear program. Katz vowed continued military presence in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria and warned Hezbollah against collaborating with Iran. The statement comes amid internal political shifts as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot seeks a new government.
At a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the country’s mission against Iran is “not yet complete,” reiterating that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. Katz added that Israel would not withdraw troops from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria and warned Hezbollah of severe retaliation if it helps Iran launch attacks.
Israel cannot accept these threats and would act as necessary.
Speaking in front of a crowd of veterans and political leaders, Katz stated Israel was “more determined than ever” to pre‑empt threats and pursue a proactive and offensive policy against its enemies.
The remarks came at a time when opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is seeking to form a new government after the recent election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right‑wing bloc without a parliamentary majority – a detail reported by the Chinese news agency Xinhua and not mentioned elsewhere.
Katz also tied the warning to Israel’s broader security strategy, pledging that Israeli troops would remain in contested areas and that they would “hold ground” in the face of any advance from Tehran’s allies.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi told the United Nations that it had detected no Iranian efforts to repair or rebuild nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026. Grossi noted that inspectors’ limited access had prevented full verification of Iran’s nuclear activities.
These statements reinforce the ongoing narrative of a state‑level pursuit of weaponizable nuclear material by Iran, a narrative that Katz said would not be ignored by Israel’s defense policy. The international community has mixed reactions, with some experts urging restraint and more cautious diplomatic engagement while others echo Katz’s call for a firm stance against potential nuclear proliferation.