Israel Katz: Israel Preparing for Possible Iranian Attack

ARK News.. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel is prepared to respond forcefully and decisively to any potential Iranian attack.

In remarks reported by Israeli media on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Katz said Israel was preparing for the possibility of an Iranian attack during the upcoming Jewish holidays, stressing that any such attack would be met with a “strong response.”

Katz said Israel is currently allowing the United States to lead military operations against Iran because of Washington’s interests related to the Strait of Hormuz and energy security. However, he warned that Israel could become directly involved in the confrontation.

“If they attack us, we will respond with great force, independently of any other party,” the Israeli defense minister said.

Katz added that Israel had destroyed Iran’s nuclear program during the “Rising Lion” operation, while stressing that Tel Aviv is closely monitoring any attempt by Tehran to rebuild it.

He reiterated that Israel “will not allow Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had targeted air-defense systems, radar installations, naval facilities, mine-laying capabilities, and communications sites belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to further tighten economic pressure on Tehran, saying Washington would intensify its economic blockade against Iran.

U.S. sources had reported months ago that the administration in Washington had asked Israel to refrain from escalating tensions or launching strikes against Iran following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States in June.

Israel had expressed dissatisfaction with the memorandum at the time. However, the understanding subsequently collapsed amid continuing disputes, particularly over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Katz’s latest remarks come as tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran remain elevated, with concerns growing that the confrontation could expand into a wider regional conflict.

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