DM Katz: Iran renewing pursuit of nuclear weapons, Israel's mission ‘not yet complete’

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran is attempting to revive its pursuit of nuclear weapons, saying Israel must remain prepared to act against threats to its security.

“Regarding Iran, the mission is not yet complete,” Katz said at a memorial ceremony for soldiers who fell in Operation Kadesh.

He accused Tehran of renewing efforts to acquire nuclear weapons while engaging in other activities that endanger Israel. “We cannot accept these threats,” he said.

Katz said Israel would pursue a proactive, offensive policy against its enemies and must be ready for any scenario. Protecting the country’s citizens, he added, requires taking whatever action is necessary.

Alongside his warning, the defense minister urged Israelis to put national security above internal divisions, arguing that the challenges ahead demand support for the military and a shared sense of responsibility.

“It is acceptable to debate and to disagree; however, when the nation’s security is at stake, we must be able to rise above our differences,” he said.

Katz stressed that soldiers and commanders need to know the public stands behind them, while Israel’s enemies must understand that domestic disagreements do not weaken its resolve against external threats.

“We have one country, one military, and a shared destiny—and the responsibility to safeguard them rests with us all,” he said.

He concluded by calling for “unity, responsibility and mutual commitment,” saying the tasks ahead would require both the strength of the Israel Defense Forces and the resilience of the public.