Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has reaffirmed Israel's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, emphasizing Tel Aviv's right and ability to act independently if necessary, regardless of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Katz expressed Israel's expectation that U.S. President Donald Trump will continue to uphold the shared security interests between the two nations, primarily preventing Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear military capabilities.
He clarified that Israeli political and military leadership has instructed the military to prepare for various future scenarios, highlighting that maintaining freedom of military action is a fundamental part of Israel's security doctrine.
He added that Israeli military operations against Iranian targets in recent times have, in his estimation, weakened Tehran's capabilities for years to come, noting that Israel will continue to monitor any developments that could affect its national security.
On a regional level, the Israeli Defense Minister asserted that Israel will not withdraw from areas of security significance in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, stating that the events Israel witnessed on October 7 represented a turning point in its approach to surrounding threats.
Katz also emphasized the continuation of military operations in the West Bank, confirming that the Israeli military will persist in its activities in areas that Tel Aviv classifies as sources of security threats, with the possibility of expanding these operations as needed.
Katz's remarks come amidst increasing indications of a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, following U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about tangible progress in negotiations and the potential signing of an agreement soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed complete understanding with the U.S. administration on the necessity of preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon, pointing out that any final agreement must include clear measures regarding enriched uranium and Iranian enrichment facilities.
Despite cautious optimism about diplomatic progress, Israel continues to assert that it is not a direct party to the ongoing negotiations and will retain the right to take measures it deems necessary to protect its security and strategic interests in the region.