Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has said the country is prepared to resume military operations against Iran, adding that it is awaiting approval from the United States.
In a video statement released on Thursday, Katz said the Israeli military was fully ready for both defensive and offensive actions.
“The IDF is ready both defensively and offensively, and the targets have been marked,” he said.
He added that Israel was waiting for a “green light” from Washington to escalate operations, including striking key infrastructure.
“We are awaiting a green light from the United States, first and foremost to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty… and additionally to return Iran to the Dark Age and the Stone Age by destroying key energy and electricity facilities and dismantling its national economic infrastructure,” Katz stated.
The renewed rhetoric comes amid ongoing tensions following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran earlier in the year. The initial phase of the conflict, which began on February 28, reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. His successor, believed to be his son, has not made any public appearance, fuelling uncertainty over his status.
Katz warned that any resumption of hostilities would be significantly more intense, suggesting that future strikes would target critical infrastructure.
“This time, when the attack resumes, it will be different and lethal, adding devastating blows at the most sensitive points… that will shake and bring down its foundations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which initially took effect on April 8, to allow room for diplomatic engagement.
However, plans for renewed negotiations, reportedly to be hosted in Pakistan, remain uncertain.
The ongoing Middle East conflict has led to significant casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, and continues to pose risks to regional stability and the global economy.
