Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that Israel has eliminated Iran's active nuclear program, assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and prepared operational infrastructure for repeated strikes. He stated that the IDF is fully ready for a third attack that could destroy Iran's central energy facilities, potentially destabilizing the regime. Katz's wide-ranging statement also covered operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Judea and Samaria.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday delivered a comprehensive statement outlining his security doctrine since taking office, asserting major achievements across all fronts. Katz claimed that Israel's two recent operations—Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion—eliminated Iran's active nuclear program and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He said the IDF now stands ready for a third, larger strike targeting Iran's central energy infrastructure, which he argued could topple the regime.
On Gaza, Katz stated that the IDF has abandoned repeated-raid tactics in favor of permanent territorial control, destroying nearly 70% of tunnels and structures, and creating a security buffer. He said all hostages have been freed and that northern Gaza must remain under Israeli control, with plans to establish Nahal garrisons there.
In Lebanon, Katz described the creation of a 700-square-kilometer security zone extending from the sea to the Beaufort area and the Hermon foothills, with all border villages destroyed. He linked any future IDF withdrawal to Hezbollah's complete disarmament.
On Syria, Katz said the IDF entered the Hermon crest and security zone after Assad's fall and is preparing for long-term presence, citing recent actions to block Turkish entrenchment at Abu al-Duhur airfield.
Regarding Judea and Samaria, Katz reported that the IDF captured the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps, evacuated 40,000 residents, and eliminated terrorist infrastructure. He claimed an 80% reduction in terror activity and announced the establishment of 104 new communities. Katz warned that the IDF is preparing for a full-scale campaign if the Palestinian Authority attempts a takeover.
The Zioneer has previously reported on Katz's security stance, including his insistence on maintaining buffer zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, and his warnings of independent Israeli action against Iran.
- ConfirmedKatz in situation assessment: Iran's nuclear program eliminated, IDF ordered to prepare for independent strike
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz: Israel killed Khamenei, wounded his son, ready for 'third round'
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz confirms Israel eliminated Supreme Leader Khamenei
- DevelopingKatz: Iran's nuclear program eliminated, must ensure it does not return
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