Israeli Defense Minister Katz Reports 83% of Gaza Tunnels Destroyed, Warns of Independent Iran Strike Readiness

On the 1,000th day since the outbreak of the war following the October 7 terror attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a multi-agency situation assessment with top military and intelligence officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet and Mossad representatives. Katz announced that 83% of the tunnels in the "yellow line" area of the Gaza Strip have been destroyed as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.

Katz emphasized Israel’s strengthened position since the deadly terror attack, stating the country emerged more united and determined despite heavy losses. He credited the political leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the bravery of IDF soldiers for striking at the core of the Iranian threat, disrupting Iran’s nuclear program, and eliminating key Iranian leadership including Supreme Leader Khamenei and much of his inner circle.

He declared that the IDF must remain prepared to carry out an independent Israeli strike against Iran at any time to neutralize existential threats. Katz also reported the elimination of Hamas leaders involved in the October 7 massacre, the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the destruction of Assad’s forces in Syria, and severe blows to the Houthi leadership in Yemen.

The defense minister stressed that the IDF will maintain its presence in security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria for the long term. Operations continue in the West Bank and Gaza to eradicate terror infrastructure, including the tunnel network. In Lebanon, the "Money Harrow" operation is ongoing to destroy terror infrastructure near border villages. Katz concluded by affirming Israel will not allow enemies to establish footholds along its borders and that the campaign against jihadist threats is ongoing, with adversaries recognizing their attempt to destroy Israel has failed.