Israeli defense minister vows to stop Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program

By Khaled Yousef and Rania Abu Shamala

JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stressed the need to prevent Iran from restoring its nuclear and missile programs and raised the prospect of a renewed war between the two countries.

Speaking Tuesday during a security assessment alongside Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and top military commanders, Katz was quoted by the Maariv daily as saying “there is a possibility of renewing the war against Iran.”

“It is essential to formulate a plan that ensures Iran does not return to its nuclear and missile projects,” he said.

Katz also addressed ongoing regional conflicts, saying “there are two open fronts—Gaza and Yemen—which must be decisively resolved under a firm offensive policy, as was done in Iran, Lebanon and Syria.”

On June 13, Israel, with US support, launched a 12-day offensive on Iran, targeting military, nuclear and civilian sites as well as senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli military and intelligence facilities.

A US-brokered ceasefire between the two countries was announced on June 23.