Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that the country’s mission against Iran remains unfinished, renewing accusations that Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear programme is intended for civilian purposes.
“With regard to Iran, the mission is still not complete. Iran is trying to renew its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, alongside other grave efforts that place the State of Israel in real danger,” Katz said at a ceremony honouring Israeli troops killed in a 1956 attack on Egypt.
Katz’s remarks come after Iran was targeted twice in major Israeli-US bombing campaigns since last year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also repeatedly threatened fresh strikes against Tehran, although it remains unclear whether US President Donald Trump would support another military operation.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu and Mossad attempted an operation against Iran ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, but the United States intervened to stop it.
Katz also warned Lebanon-based Hezbollah against joining any possible Iranian attack on Israel, saying the group would face severe consequences.
He added that Israel would not withdraw from security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
The remarks come amid political tensions in Israel, where Netanyahu suffered electoral losses and rival Gadi Eisenkot was tasked with forming a new government. Katz urged political leaders to put aside differences when national security is at stake.
