Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Zamir released a coordinated statement Thursday evening, declaring that Israel is closely monitoring Iran and Lebanon and is ready for immediate action. Netanyahu reiterated that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons with or without a deal, while Katz warned that the IDF is prepared for a third strike in Iran if needed.
In a coordinated statement published at 18:45 Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Zamir issued a joint warning to Iran, declaring that Israel is closely monitoring developments and ready for immediate action. The statement presents a unified front from the three senior leaders, with Zamir adding the military's operational readiness to monitor and respond without delay.
The joint statement is the latest in a series of escalating messages from Israeli leadership today. At 18:14 Jerusalem, initial reports indicated that Katz had stated at the IAF flight course ceremony that the IDF is ready for a third strike on Iran. The Zioneer reported at 18:29 that Netanyahu told graduates the war is not over and Katz said the IDF is prepared for a third independent strike. At 18:40, Katz separately reiterated that Israel is ready for a third campaign and will not withdraw from southern Lebanon. The coordination of today's messaging escalated from individual statements to a unified declaration by all three leaders within 30 minutes.
The repeated emphasis on the nuclear red line — 'with or without a deal, Iran will not get nuclear weapons' — reinforces the position Netanyahu has articulated since the U.S.-Iran memorandum was signed in mid-June, as The Zioneer reported on June 15. Earlier today, Katz also claimed that Operation Roaring Lion eliminated 'Khamenei the father' and seriously wounded 'Khamenei the son' — a claim that remains unverified and was not repeated in the joint statement.
The officials did not cite any new intelligence or specify an imminent threat, but the coordinated messaging signals a deliberate escalation in rhetoric. It remains unclear what specific triggers would lead to a third strike, and the timeline for any potential action was not given.
10 developments
- StrongKatz warns of renewed escalation with Iran 'within 2 days', says IDF ready to strike
- DevelopingIsrael's Defense Minister warns IDF ready to strike Iran alone if necessary
- StrongKatz warns Iran: Any attack on Israel over Lebanon will draw 'full-force' response
- DevelopingNetanyahu, IDF chief detail tense Trump call and independent Iran strike readiness in cabinet
Source and signal
- Internal intake