Israeli Defense Minister Declares IDF Ready for Independent Strike on Iran

On the 1,000th day since the October 7 terror attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a comprehensive security briefing with top defense officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Defense Ministry Director Amir Baram. Katz highlighted a strategic shift in the Middle East, stating that Israel has emerged stronger and more determined since the conflict began. He detailed significant security achievements against Iran and its proxies, including thwarting Iran's nuclear program, eliminating key regime leaders such as Khamenei, and severely damaging Iran's strategic capabilities.

Despite these successes, Katz emphasized the need for ongoing preparedness, declaring that the IDF must be ready at any moment to conduct an independent "Blue and White" operation against Iran to neutralize any threats. He also reviewed the targeted killings of hostile leaderships, including Hamas commanders involved in the October 7 massacre, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Assad’s forces in Syria, and the Houthi leadership.

Katz underscored that Israel will maintain a long-term presence in security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to prevent enemy entrenchment. He noted that 83% of tunnels in Gaza’s "Yellow Line" area have been destroyed and that operations continue in Lebanon to dismantle terror infrastructure. Katz stressed that Israel will not allow enemies to establish footholds along its borders and that the IDF remains a critical barrier against jihadist threats. He concluded by affirming that while the campaign is ongoing, adversaries have failed in their attempts to destroy Israel.