On May 14, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated during a ceremony commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Third Arab-Israeli War and the War of Attrition that Israel's military mission against Iran remains unfinished.
Katz further added, "We must complete this operation in a way that ensures Iran will no longer pose a threat to the State of Israel’s survival, to U.S. forces, or to the entire free world for generations to come."
Israeli Defense Minister Katz publicly declared on May 14 at a war memorial ceremony that "the military mission against Iran is not yet complete"—a firm statement marking the climax of recent intensive signals from Israel indicating readiness for potential conflict with Iran.
Katz emphasized the need to ensure Iran poses no threat "for future generations," directly pointing to Israel’s fundamental strategic objective regarding its military actions against Iran.
Enriched uranium is key. Although Israel’s so-called “12-Day War” and subsequent airstrikes have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense industry, Israel believes Iran still retains a certain amount of high-enriched uranium stockpiles.
Israel has made the "complete elimination of enriched uranium within Iran" a prerequisite for ending regional military operations. Katz’s remarks indicate that as long as Iran still holds the "surplus" material necessary for building nuclear weapons, Israel’s military campaign will not truly be concluded.
This statement is not only directed at Iran—but also clearly aimed at the United States.
Currently, new diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are either underway or being prepared. Israel strongly opposes any agreement that might amount to appeasement of Iran. Katz’s tough rhetoric serves as a warning to Washington: Israel will not accept any compromise that undermines its own security.
By doing so, Israel aims to demonstrate to the U.S. that even if American policymakers are constrained by domestic politics or legal considerations (such as the War Powers Act deadline), Israel possesses both the independent military capability and willingness to restart hostilities—seeking leverage to pressure the U.S. into adopting a tougher stance toward Iran during negotiations.
Beneath Katz’s words lies substantial military preparation already underway by Israel. This represents a decisive move at a crossroads between diplomacy and military action—a show of force. It functions simultaneously as a final ultimatum to Iran, demanding the complete dismantling of its nuclear arsenal; and as a strategic reminder to the United States, underscoring Israel’s unwavering resolve when it comes to core national security interests. The Middle East situation is thus being pushed toward a new critical juncture.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865222815193164/
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