Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz believes that the conflict with Iran is not yet over, according to remarks at a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on Sunday.
The mission was not complete, he said, adding that Iran was again trying to obtain nuclear weapons and was pursuing other goals that “pose a concrete danger to the State of Israel.”
Katz called on Israelis to unite in view of the “great tasks” that still lay ahead.
Israel was more determined than ever today to take its fate into its own hands, to forestall possible attacks and to pursue a proactive and offensive policy towards its enemies, the minister said.
“We cannot accept these threats,” Katz said. “It is our duty to be prepared for every scenario and to do everything necessary to protect the citizens of Israel.”
Iran denies seeking to build nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear programme serves exclusively peaceful purposes.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said recently that there was so far no evidence that Iran was rebuilding the nuclear facilities damaged in the Israeli and US attacks in June 2025.
Grossi also said, however, that the agency could not yet fully verify the condition of the facilities or the whereabouts of Iran’s uranium stockpiles.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government lost its majority in parliament in the election in Israel on October 27. His caretaker government remains in office until a new coalition is sworn in, retaining its security powers until then.
The opposition had accused Netanyahu of wanting to provoke a new escalation with Iran to maintain power.