JERUSALEM (VINnews)— Israel’s defense establishment is closely watching developments in Iran amid reports that Tehran is rebuilding and potentially expanding its ballistic missile production capabilities following a brief war earlier this year, Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday.
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Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots, Katz referenced reports on Iran’s missile program, which he said Israel and the United States had “struck severely” during the June conflict, known in Israel as Operation Rising Lion.
“I read the reports about Iran, which we struck severely, together with our American partners, during Operation Rising Lion,” Katz said, referring to the 12-day war that saw intense exchanges of airstrikes and missiles.
“The defense establishment is closely monitoring developments, and naturally, I cannot elaborate beyond that,” he added. “But on one principle there is no dispute: What was before October 7 will not be again. We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel.”
Israeli officials have expressed growing concern in recent weeks over Iran’s efforts to reconstitute its missile arsenal, with intelligence assessments indicating that production has resumed at a rapid pace roughly six months after the June fighting. Reports suggest Iran has restored much of its stockpile of heavy ballistic missiles and prioritized rebuilding key production facilities damaged in the strikes.
The June war erupted when Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, citing an imminent threat. Iran responded with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, though most were intercepted by Israeli and U.S.-backed defenses. A ceasefire ended the hostilities on June 24.
Katz’s remarks exemplifies Israel’s vigilance as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for talks with U.S. leaders on regional threats, including potential future action against Iranian military programs.