Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces)
Defense Minister Israel Katz on July 27 threatened Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hinting that Israel could attack Iran again.
Israel attacked Iran on June 13, stating that its goal was to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. Later, it expanded its targets to include the Islamic Republic’s missile program. A ceasefire was suddenly announced on June 24, just two days after the United States joined the war by attacking three key nuclear sites.
“I want to convey a clear message to Khamenei the dictator,” said Katz during a visit to the Ramon Airbase in southern Israel, according to his office. “If you continue to threaten Israel, our long arm will again reach Tehran and with even greater force — and this time to you personally. Do not threaten, lest you be harmed.”
This was Katz’ second threat to Iran in recent days. Speaking on July 22 during a security assessment alongside Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and top military commanders, Katz was quoted by the Maariv daily as saying “there is a possibility of renewing the war against Iran.”
“It is essential to formulate a plan that ensures Iran does not return to its nuclear and missile projects,” the minister said.
The Israeli attack on Iran claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people. Iran retaliated with a series of deadly ballistic missile attacks that killed 28 people in Israel.
Since the end of the 12-day war, multiple blasts and fires have been reported all over Iran, with some resulting in casualties. A recent report by The New York Times revealed that Iranian officials suspect that Israeli intelligence is behind many of these incidents.
On one hand, Israel views the war as a major victory and claims that Iran’s nuclear program was set back by one to two years. On other hand, many senior officials in Israel appear to be eager to renew the war. If Katz’s recent threats indicate anything, it is that a regime change in the Islamic Republic is what these officials are looking to achieve.
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