At a graduation event for new Israeli Air Force pilots on Thursday evening, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz delivered a pointed warning to Iran, making it clear that Israel is prepared to escalate its response if Tehran resumes hostile activity.
“The graduation ceremony here is a direct message to dictator Khamenei and the group of ayatollahs in Iran: Israel’s long arm will reach you in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and any place from which you try to threaten and harm Israel,” he declared.
Katz followed with a stark reminder that Israeli military strength is not to be underestimated. “There is no place where you can hide. If we need to return, we will, and with even greater force,” Katz emphasized.
Speaking at the same event, President Isaac Herzog highlighted the critical role the Israeli Air Force continues to play in the region. “The power of the Israeli Air Force, which has been proven beyond any doubt, should lay the foundation for changing the reality in the region, a foundation for a better future for us and for our neighbors in the Middle East.”
Herzog also took the opportunity to reflect on past divisions within Israeli society over judicial reform and the threats of insubordination in the military before the outbreak of war. “I truly wish and hope—there will be those who will have the wisdom to apologize for the offensive and unnecessary criticism that was made in the heat of the public debate that preceded the war. Because in this time, and in the face of the enormous challenges, we must understand and internalize the necessity of standing together—decisively and cohesively—against any foe and enemy.”
{Matzav.com Israel}