Israeli Defense Minister: We Have the Opportunity to Destroy Iran's Nuclear Facilities

Israel Katz, the new Israeli Defense Minister, stated that following the recent attack by Israel on military targets of the Islamic Republic, Iran's nuclear facilities are more vulnerable than ever, and there is now an opportunity to strike these facilities. In his first meeting with the Israeli military staff on Monday, November 21, he said, 'Iran is more vulnerable than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities. Now is the opportunity to achieve our most important goal, which is to eliminate the threat against Israel.' According to the Jerusalem Post, Katz also emphasized that there is a broad consensus in Israel regarding 'neutralizing Iran's nuclear program.' He added, 'We have the opportunity to achieve our most important goal, which is to neutralize and eliminate the existing threat to Israel.' Israel Katz, who previously served as Israel's Foreign Minister, has replaced Yoav Galant, who was dismissed from the Defense Minister position by the Prime Minister. In response to a massive missile attack from Iran, Israel announced early on November 5 that it had attacked 'military targets' in Iran. Iranian officials confirmed the deaths of 'four military personnel and one civilian' in these attacks but stated that the Israeli strikes had 'limited and minor damage'; however, international media, citing satellite images and expert analyses, reported serious and effective damage to some Iranian military facilities. On the same day, the new Israeli Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Gideon Sa'ar, in his first press conference with foreign journalists after his appointment, stated that the most important issue for the future of the region is to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear (military) capabilities. He added that Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, has clearly stated that he understands 'the danger of Iran's nuclear ambitions.' According to the New York Times, Gideon Sa'ar agrees with Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline approach towards Iran, the extremist group Hamas, and Hezbollah. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union. The Israeli government has announced that with Gideon Sa'ar's appointment, he will have a 'stable' role in security decisions, including policies related to Iran and its nuclear program. The statements of the new Israeli Foreign Minister come at a time when some media reports suggest that Donald Trump will pursue a 'maximum pressure' policy against Iran in his new administration. Politico reported, citing several sources, that Trump's policies will align with the current situation in the Middle East and will revive 'maximum pressure' against Iran. The United States and Israel have consistently emphasized that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Iranian officials insist that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and that they are not seeking nuclear weapons.