Israel's Defense Minister Vows Retaliation Against Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking from the Golan Heights near Mount Hermon, vowed to strike Iran a third time if necessary, stating, "We have hit them twice, and when needed, we will hit them a third time to continue thwarting threats." He made these remarks alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Major General Tamir Yadai during a visit to the Mount Hermon observation post.

Katz emphasized Israel's defensive posture, declaring, "We are sending a clear message to Syria: 'We are here and we are not moving.'" He reiterated that Israel is protecting the communities of the Golan Heights and the Galilee from this vantage point, while also monitoring Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley. He further asserted Israel's presence in the security zone, guarding against threats from jihadist elements within Syria and on its border.

The Defense Minister highlighted past Israeli actions, including strikes on enemy infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon, and ongoing nightly IDF operations to neutralize jihadist infrastructure. He claimed Israel has thwarted Iran's nuclear threat, eliminated Ayatollah Khamenei, and degraded strategic capabilities. Katz pledged to continue confronting threats from the Iranian-led Shiite axis and the Muslim Brotherhood-led axis, ensuring the security of all Israeli citizens. He concluded by wishing IDF soldiers and all Israelis a good and safe new year.

These statements were made amidst heightened regional security tensions, including Iran's recent unusual missile barrage towards Jordan and ongoing alert levels on the borders with Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. The IDF maintains control over security zones in these areas.