Israeli Defense Minister Warns Iran May Attack Israel Over Lebanon Strikes

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 for a potential conflict with Iran, instructing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for "Operation Blue and White" targeting Iran. He stated that if Israel obtains clear intelligence on Iranian decisions, it will act accordingly, and if Iran launches missile attacks on Israel, Israel will respond with significant force, a stance already communicated to the United States.

Katz clarified Israel's firm position that it will not tolerate missile fire on its territory under any circumstances. He also revealed that during a recent operation, external parties intended to join a conflict against Iran but ultimately refrained, citing Turkish President Erdogan's reluctance to escalate after missile fire into Turkey. Katz noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to link the conflicts in Lebanon and Iran, but Israel shifted to a secondary plan involving stricter control over areas in southern Lebanon, including the return of residents to Beirut's Dahieh district.

Regarding Lebanon, Katz explained that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem joined the conflict to support Iran and alter the northern front's dynamics, where Israel had been the aggressor. Katz reported extensive destruction in Lebanese villages near the border, with nearly 100% of homes destroyed and 200,000 residents displaced, 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 potential terrorist threats.

Katz stressed that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains active there, although Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. He stated that the Lebanese army must assume responsibility for the area once Israel withdraws, ensuring Hezbollah is absent. Katz also reiterated Israel's new security doctrine, which conditions any withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, or Syria on the disarmament of terrorist organizations. He warned that any missile fire from Hezbollah into northern Israel will be met with retaliatory strikes in Dahieh.

In summary, Katz outlined Israel's readiness for escalating conflict with Iran and Hezbollah, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy for missile attacks and emphasizing coordination with the U.S. and regional actors to manage the complex security situation in northern Israel and Lebanon.