Defense Minister Katz Affirms Israel Will Attack Iran Again If Threatened

JAKARTA - Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz on Thursday said it would return to attack Iran if Tehran felt threatened.

"Israel's long hands will reach you in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and wherever you try to threaten or hurt Israel. There is no place to hide," Defense Minister Katz said according to a statement by his office.

"If we have to come back, we will do it with greater strength," he said.

Defense Minister Katz conveyed this at the graduation of the Israeli Air Force pilot course, quoted from The Times of Israel.

On the same occasion, Israeli Chief of Staff Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the recent war in Iran was a "moment in which we prove, to ourselves and to the world, when the Israeli people are threatened, we know how to unite, act, and attack with precision, strength, and responsibility."

Meanwhile, Air Force Chief Major General Tomer Bar said in his speech: "We have passed the 1,800-kilometer challenge and turned Iran from a 'third circle' into a 'first circle' country. This campaign is not over yet. We are ready to act as needed."

Israel and Iran launched 12 days of airstrikes against each other in June, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Both sides agreed for a ceasefire brokered by the United States, announced by President Donald Trump on June 23, to end hostilities.

Israel attacked Iran's nuclear site during the campaign, citing concerns that Tehran was close to developing nuclear weapons, Iran denies. Later, the US joined forces in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.