Israeli Defense Minister Katz Says US Halted Large-Scale Israeli Operation Against Hezbollah

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz asserted that American pressure prevented the collapse of Hezbollah, cautioning that Iran might launch an attack on Israel in defense of its Lebanese ally.

During a briefing to military journalists on Israel's defense doctrine following wars with Hezbollah and Iran, Katz was quoted by Israeli Channel 12 as saying that US President Donald Trump sought to link the Lebanese and Iranian fronts amid what Katz described as "significant pressures" exerted by Tehran.

Katz added that, following consultations with the White House, orders were issued to the Israeli military to halt its operations, thereby preventing a "large-scale strike" that Israel had intended to continue against Hezbollah.

He stated, "Linking the two fronts saved Hezbollah from a severe blow, and perhaps even from collapse."

Katz noted that this approach aligned with American interests, explaining that Washington was keen to proceed with the possibility of negotiations with Iran. He added, "When you enter into a partnership, it has advantages but also imposes some restrictions."

He clarified that after Israel was compelled to stop targeting buildings in Beirut, the Israeli army expanded its ground operations north of the Litani River and extended the security zone in southern Lebanon with American approval, according to his remarks.

Katz confirmed that Israel informed the Trump administration it would not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip as long as threats from Iran-backed groups persisted.

He further stated that the Israeli military is "in a state of readiness and alert" in anticipation of Iranian missile launches and has prepared a target bank inside Iran for potential strikes when necessary.

Katz said, "If we obtain confirmed intelligence regarding Iranian decisions, we will act accordingly. If Iran attacks us with missiles, we will respond forcefully, and we have made this clear to the Americans."

He predicted that a new Iranian attack "could occur even within two days," while affirming that Israel "will not obstruct the American president's approach toward the Iranians."

Katz added that war with Iran could resume under two conditions: if Trump decides to take military action and Israel joins him, or if Iran initiates an attack on Israel.