Netanyahu and Katz Warn Iran of Devastating Response to Attack
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued stark warnings to Iran and Hezbollah, threatening a devastating response to any attack. Katz revealed intelligence of Iranian-backed attempts to advance attacks ahead of Israeli elections, warning that a weak Iran might take extreme measures. The Defense Minister also detailed plans to expand Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon and potentially evacuate over a million Shiites if Hezbollah joins an Iranian assault. Katz also stated that 2,000 Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7th attack remain and will be eliminated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran, "If Iran attacks Israel, Iran will burn!"
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the only way to remove the Iranian threat is by toppling the regime.
- Israel is identifying Iranian-backed attempts to advance attacks ahead of the upcoming elections.
- Hezbollah will face severe consequences, including IDF expansion into southern Lebanon, if it joins an Iranian attack.
- Over a million Shiites could be displaced from southern Lebanon under IDF expansion plans.
- Defense Minister Katz vowed that the remaining 2,000 Hamas terrorists from the October 7th attack will be eliminated.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued strong warnings to Iran and Hezbollah on Wednesday during a military officers' course completion ceremony. Netanyahu directly addressed Iran's leadership, stating that the only way to remove the threat is by toppling the regime. He referenced Mojtaba Khamenei's actions, suggesting he is following his father's path and has "released the safety catch."
Katz elaborated on the security assessment, revealing intelligence that Iran and its proxies are attempting to advance attacks ahead of Israel's elections. He noted that the Iranian regime is in a period of unusual weakness, which could lead it to take extreme measures against Israel. Katz assured that Israel is prepared to thwart these threats and warned the Iranian leadership of severe consequences for any direct attack.
"Our message to the Iranian regime is clear: We identify your attempts, we are prepared to thwart them, and ready to strike you with full force," Katz stated. He explicitly warned, "If Iran attacks Israel, Iran will burn!" The Defense Minister emphasized that this warning applies to any attack, whether before or after the elections, and that anyone harming Israeli soldiers or citizens will pay a heavy price.
Katz also addressed Israel's continued presence in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, stating Israel will not withdraw. He warned Hezbollah that if it joins an Iranian attack, the IDF will expand the security zone in southern Lebanon to include areas up to Nabatieh and the Litani River. This expansion would involve evacuating the entire Shiite population north of these lines, potentially displacing over a million people, and targeting terror infrastructure, including in Beirut's Dahieh district.
Furthermore, Katz issued a personal threat to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naeem Qassem, comparing his path to that of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was eliminated by Israel. Regarding Gaza, Katz reported that the IDF controls nearly 70% of the Strip, an area cleared of residents and terror infrastructure. He stated that the IDF continues to operate daily against terrorists, including approximately 2,000 who participated in the October 7th attack, vowing that they will also be eliminated.
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