Defense Minister Israel Katz told Defense Ministry employees on Thursday that signs of severe economic pressure on Iran and fear of regime collapse could push Tehran to desperate steps. Katz warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would release Israel from all constraints, striking all infrastructure including energy and sending Iran back to the Stone Age.
Defense Minister Israel Katz today (Thursday) escalated his warnings to Iran, stating that any Iranian attack on Israel would trigger an overwhelming Israeli response targeting all Iranian infrastructure, including energy systems, and sending the Islamic Republic back to the 'Stone Age.' Katz made the remarks during a Rosh Hashanah toast ceremony at the Defense Ministry with Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Bar'am and ministry staff. He reiterated that Israel sees signs that the heavy economic pressure on Iran, combined with fears of popular uprising and regime collapse, could push Tehran to desperate steps.
The threat is the sharpest in a series of escalating statements by Katz over the past 24 hours. On Wednesday, at the Ynet conference, Katz said that the economic stranglehold on Iran increases the likelihood of an Iranian attack and confirmed that Israeli Air Force planes are ready to take off. Earlier the same day, he assessed a 'very high probability' that Iran would strike during the upcoming Jewish holidays, citing historical patterns. Initial reports on Wednesday, attributed by Israel Hayom's Ariel Kahana, quoted Katz telling Defense Ministry employees that economic pressure and fear of an uprising could drive Tehran to desperate measures.
As The Zioneer has previously reported, Katz has consistently framed Iran's economic vulnerability as a factor that raises the risk of escalation, while stressing that the IDF is prepared for both defensive and offensive operations. In recent months, Katz has also outlined a broader strategic shift, including a planned 350 billion shekel defense budget increase and the pursuit of space-based strike capabilities, as reported on June 25. Additionally, the Defense Minister has warned of possible renewed escalation with Iran within days and stated that the IDF is ready to strike targets within Iran if ballistic missiles are launched in response to Israeli operations elsewhere.
The warning comes as tensions with Tehran remain high and as the U.S. administration pursues diplomatic efforts with Iran. It remains unclear how Tehran will interpret Katz's direct threat to its infrastructure, and whether the heightened rhetoric signals a shift in Israeli operational posture or is intended as a deterrent signal.
6 developments
- DevelopingKatz warns: Iranian attack on Israel would remove all restraints, target all infrastructure including energy
- DevelopingKatz Sends 'Shana Tova, Iran' Greeting and Warns of Overwhelming Response to Any Attack
- StrongKatz: Iran will face 'crushing blow' if it attacks Israel
- StrongKatz warns Iran: Any attack on Israel over Lebanon will draw 'full-force' response
Source and signal
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