Katz Says Israel’s Iran Mission Is Not Complete

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on November 8 that Israel’s mission against Iran was not complete, accusing Tehran of renewing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says its nuclear program is peaceful; the allegation has not been independently established in the reporting.

Katz spoke at a ceremony for Israeli troops who died in a 1956 attack on Egypt. He also warned that Hezbollah would face severe blows if it joined Iran in an attack on Israel. Katz said Israel would not withdraw from what he described as security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

The remarks came amid reports of Israeli military preparations for a possible return to fighting on the Lebanese front if hostilities with Iran resume. Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli forces were continuing operations along the Lebanon border, preparing positions and updating operational plans ahead of winter. The preparations were described as conditional, not as a decision to launch a new offensive.

The report said Israel’s security establishment was awaiting a US decision on whether to resume military operations against Iran. It also described differing views over the possible...