Israeli Defense Minister Warns Iran May Attack Israel Over Lebanon Strikes at Any Moment

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on June 29, 2026, that Iran is considering retaliatory attacks against Israel in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and such an attack could occur at any moment. Katz emphasized that Israel is prepared to respond with significant force if Iran launches missile attacks, a stance clearly communicated to the United States. He stated, "If we have clear intelligence on Iranian decisions, we will act accordingly. If Iran attacks us with missiles, we will respond strongly."

Katz outlined Israel's security doctrine regarding the northern front and the confrontation with Iran, instructing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for "Operation Blue and White" targeting Iran. He noted that the conflict with Iran could escalate either through U.S. involvement or direct Iranian aggression, stressing that Israel will not tolerate missile fire on its territory.

Regarding Lebanon, Katz explained that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem joined the conflict to support Iran and alter the northern equation where the IDF had been the primary attacker. He revealed that nearly all homes in contact villages in Lebanon’s western and central sectors were destroyed, displacing around 200,000 residents who are currently barred from returning. The IDF has orders to fire warning shots to prevent residents from re-entering these areas, equating the civilian population with terrorist threats.

Katz also disclosed that during the recent operation, external parties intended to join the fight against Iran but were ultimately restrained, citing Turkish President Erdogan’s reluctance to escalate after missile fire into Turkey. He recounted multiple conversations between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump sought to link the Lebanon and Iran theaters, a strategy Israel eventually moved away from by deepening the "yellow line" buffer zones in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s Dahieh district.

Katz asserted that this linkage prevented a devastating blow to Hezbollah, possibly averting its collapse. He reiterated Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains active, clarifying that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. The Lebanese army must assume responsibility for areas vacated by the IDF, ensuring Hezbollah’s absence. Katz stressed that Israel’s new security doctrine conditions any withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria on the disarmament of terrorist organizations. He warned that any Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel will be met with retaliatory strikes in Dahieh.

In summary, Katz conveyed a firm Israeli stance on northern security, readiness for escalation with Iran, and a commitment to counter Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region.