Israel’s Katz: Mission Against Iran ‘Not Complete’World

Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, during which Israel hit Iranian nuclear sites and the United States dropped bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel, killing 29 people, while 1,067 were killed in Iran, according to the figures given in the report.

Iran has denied wanting nuclear weapons and has insisted that its programme is for peaceful purposes only. Katz, however, claimed Iran had enriched uranium to 60 percent, “which is not required for peaceful purposes”, in his words.

The June war was the sharpest confrontation between the two countries, with Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites and the United States dropping bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran answered with missile attacks on Israel, and the fighting left 29 people dead in Israel and 1,067 dead in Iran, according to the figures given in the report.

The exchange over Iran’s nuclear programme sits at the heart of the dispute between the two countries. Israel points to the enrichment level as evidence of military intent, while Iran maintains that its programme is peaceful and rejects the accusation that it is seeking a weapon.

The report also covered political developments in Israel, where retired general Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming a government. Eisenkot said he would form a broad government with no one outside or excluded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “shameful” to put him in charge.

Katz’s remarks on Iran came as those political developments were unfolding, with the defence minister using the cabinet meeting to restate his position that the work against Iran is not yet done. The government, he said, must press on until the mission is complete.