Katz threatens Iran with 'devastating blow' if it attacks Israel
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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned on Monday that Iran would face a 'devastating blow' if it attacked Israel, and revealed that Israel had killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. The warning came amid rising tensions and Israeli security officials' anger over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to call off a planned major military operation against Iran.
Katz's Warning
In the Channel 14 interview, Katz directly threatened Iran, stating that any attack on Israel would trigger a devastating response. He emphasized that Iran is well aware of Israel's military capabilities. Katz also accused local media of ignoring Israel's military successes, vowing that the government would continue to publicize achievements. He listed the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials among those successes.
Assassination Disclosures
Among the military successes, Katz explicitly cited the assassinations of Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures. The statement appeared to confirm Israel's involvement in eliminating key Iranian leadership, marking a rare public acknowledgment. The timing of the disclosure escalates the hostile rhetoric between the two countries. It remains unclear whether the claimed assassinations have already occurred or are part of ongoing operations.
U.S. Operation Cancellation
Israeli media reported that President Trump decided to cancel a planned comprehensive military operation against Iran, sparking criticism from Israeli security officials. The cancellation prompted Israel to raise its defense alert to the highest level, according to reports. Trump stated on July 31 that the U.S. would 'hit Iran very hard until they can’t take it anymore,' but claimed the current process is progressing well for the U.S. The abrupt reversal has caused unease among Israeli defense circles, who had anticipated a coordinated U.S.-Israeli strike.
What's Next
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to convene in the coming days to reassess the threat level from Iran. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will reconsider its decision or if Israel will act independently, raising the specter of a unilateral strike.
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Katz threatens Iran with 'devastating blow' if it attacks Israel
