Israeli Defense Minister Katz Threatens Escalation Against Iran and Hezbollah

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has adopted a hostile stance against Iran. He claimed that war with Iran would reignite if Tehran attacks Israel or if U.S. President Donald Trump deems negotiations fruitless. Katz informed reporters that he has instructed the army to prepare for an operation named “Blue and White” in Iran, suggesting it could occur as early as the next day.

The defense minister further asserted that the existing equation remains in place: any attack directed towards the north or border settlements will be met with an immediate bombardment of the southern suburbs of Beirut. He specified that if Hezbollah launches an attack on northern Israel, the Dahiya (southern Beirut) will be targeted.

Katz also claimed an agreement with the Commander of the U.S. Central Command to maintain positions in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He stated that no further withdrawals beyond two experimental areas in southern Lebanon will occur until Hezbollah is disarmed. Following U.S. limitations, an alternative plan was devised to deepen the Yellow Line area in southern Lebanon. He suggested that the Lebanese army soldiers will not suddenly move to attack Hezbollah, and the Israeli army’s presence in Lebanon is expected to be long-term.