Israeli Defense Minister Katz Confirms Readiness for Renewed War with Iran, Vows No Retreat from Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel is preparing for a potential renewed conflict with Iran and will not withdraw from southern Lebanon. Katz revealed that 200,000 Lebanese Shiite residents were evacuated from 24 villages in southern Lebanon and are prohibited from returning, in accordance with an agreement. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed 100% of buildings in western and central southern Lebanese villages and 73% in the eastern sector. Prior to the ceasefire, the IDF targeted six out of eight bridges, none of which have been repaired.

Katz disclosed that five phone calls took place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the conflict. Netanyahu resisted calls to halt fighting with Hezbollah in four conversations, but Trump insisted in the fifth, leading Israel to shift to a backup plan. Katz expressed belief that without U.S. intervention, Hezbollah's collapse could have been achieved, potentially with Saudi support leading to its disarmament. He emphasized Israel's firm stance on maintaining the security zone as long as Hezbollah remains armed.

The Defense Minister warned that if Hezbollah attacks IDF soldiers again, Israel will respond forcefully between the "yellow line" and the Litani River. He noted Hezbollah has deployed 1,200 militants to the Litani line and 1,300 north of it, with Israel aiming to clear militants from this area. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has been instructed to operate along the yellow line to protect Israeli troops until Hezbollah disarms.

Katz also relayed a recent conversation with the U.S. Central Command chief, stressing Israel's policy not to withdraw from Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza despite challenges. Israel offered Lebanon a pilot project to clear the Ali Taher ridge of Hezbollah terror infrastructure, but Lebanon declined due to fears of confrontation with Hezbollah and Iran. Regarding Iran, Katz said Tehran is debating whether to close the Strait of Hormuz or attack Israel in response to the Lebanon-Israel agreement calling for Hezbollah's disarmament and allowing IDF presence in southern Lebanon.

He warned that Iran could start a war at any time and that Israel will respond decisively to any Iranian attack. Katz confirmed that the IDF is preparing for a "blue and white" war against Iran. He also stated that if Hezbollah attacks Israeli communities, Israel will strike Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's Dahiya district. Katz noted that both Iranian and Hezbollah leadership operate from bunkers and underground systems due to fear of Israeli strikes.

Addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's harsh rhetoric against Israel, Katz said Erdogan is escalating his statements due to developments in Lebanon and Gaza but praised the IDF's achievements. On the U.S.-Israel security assistance agreement, Katz said negotiations aim to transition from American support to partnership, expanding joint production and establishing a steering committee led by Defense Ministry Director Amir Baram to work with U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Michael McCaul. Unlike previous years, American funds will not be directly transferred to Israel.