Jerusalem: Israel is “not finished” with Iran, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday, signalling the possibility of renewed strikes against the Islamic Republic as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces uncertainty over his political future.
The remarks came amid reports that President Isaac Herzog had tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government in Israel.
Katz renewed Israel’s allegations that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons programme, but did not provide evidence to support the claim.
“With regard to Iran, the mission is still not complete. Iran is trying to renew its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons — alongside other grave efforts that place the State of Israel in real danger,” Katz said, as cited by AFP.
Did Netanyahu Plan an Iran Strike Before Israeli Elections?
Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran as questions continue over his political future. However, it remains uncertain whether US President Donald Trump would support a fresh Israeli military operation, particularly after the Republicans suffered setbacks in the November 3 midterm elections.
According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman had planned to launch an operation against Iran on the eve of the October 27 election. The report said the plan was halted after the United States became aware of it.
Netanyahu’s office later rejected the report.
“The prime minister himself clarified in real time that an attack before the Israeli elections was not on the agenda,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
Trump Holds National Security Meetings on Iran
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reportedly held two meetings with his national security team at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss whether military strikes against Iran should resume, according to Fox News.
During the meetings, officials reportedly told Trump that November 9, which marks a new Moon in the Middle East, could be a suitable date for a potential operation because limited moonlight might favour military action. However, the proposal was not taken forward.
Trump has repeatedly urged Iran to return to negotiations. Tehran, meanwhile, has maintained that a peace agreement cannot be finalised unless Washington accepts all seven of its demands.
These reportedly include the removal of the blockade, the lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets.