At IAF Graduation, Netanyahu Says War Not Over; Katz Warns IDF Ready for Third Iran Strike

Addressing the graduates of the IAF flight course on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that despite recent operational successes, the current conflict has not reached its conclusion. "The war is not over, new challenges are emerging," Netanyahu told the pilots, whom he previously described as the "generation of victory." The Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing position that Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, regardless of any international agreements.

Defense Minister Israel Katz provided more specific operational context, stating that the IDF remains "alert and prepared for the resumption of the campaign." Katz specifically highlighted the IAF's role in maintaining regional stability, noting that the military is ready to regain air superiority and execute "blue-and-white" (independent) strikes on Iranian soil to remove emerging threats. "If we need to return, we will return with even greater force," Katz added, referring to the potential for a third round of direct confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

This rhetoric comes as The Zioneer has previously tracked a total collapse of diplomatic understandings between the U.S. and Iran. The Israeli leadership's focus on independent strike capabilities underscores a security-first doctrine that prioritizes Israeli freedom of action amid regional volatility. The IAF, as the primary tool for long-range deterrence, remains at the center of this strategy as the government monitors Iranian attempts to reconstitute threats following previous Israeli operations.