Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz held his first meeting on Monday with the General Staff Forum, led by Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi.
Katz stated that "Iran is more vulnerable than ever to potential damage to its nuclear facilities," according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The defense minister emphasized that Israel "will not agree to any arrangement that does not ensure its right to independently counter terrorism or that fails to align with its objectives in Lebanon." These objectives include disarming Hezbollah, ensuring its withdrawal beyond the Litani River, and securing the safe return of northern Israeli residents to their homes. Katz reportedly advocated for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
According to the Times of Israel, Katz said, "It is possible to achieve the most important goal, which is to thwart and eliminate the existential threat surrounding Israel."
Previously, Katz served as foreign minister before taking over the defense portfolio following the dismissal of his predecessor Yoav Gallant.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on Monday that the conflict with Hezbollah is not yet over.
Sa’ar highlighted that the implementation of any ceasefire agreement would be the main challenge, despite "some progress" in negotiations.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Sa’ar noted that Israel is working with the United States to reach a ceasefire, adding that Israel seeks Hezbollah’s withdrawal to the north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, and a halt to its rearmament efforts.
Sa’ar emphasized that a core component of any agreement must include preventing Hezbollah from transferring weapons into Lebanon from Syria.
Since October 8, 2023, clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah have escalated along the southern Lebanese border following Israel’s declaration of war on Gaza in response to a Hamas attack. Hezbollah has since expressed its support for Gaza.
On October 1, the Israeli military launched a focused ground operation in southern Lebanon.
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