From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Katz warns Israel may act ‘soon’ to eliminate ‘existential threats’ by Iran
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Israel Katz says while Israel supports the United States’ diplomatic efforts with Iran, it may “soon be required to act again” to remove the “existential threats” posed by the Islamic Republic.
“Iran has suffered extremely severe blows over the past year, blows that have set it back years in all areas,” says Katz during a ceremony promoting the next Israeli Air Force chief, Omer Tischler, to the rank of major general.
“US President Trump, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading the effort to complete the campaign’s objectives in a way that ensures Iran will not return to being a threat to the existence of Israel, to the United States, and to the free world for generations to come,” he says.
“We support this effort and provide the necessary backing, but we may soon be required to act again to ensure the objectives are achieved,” Katz adds.
Tischler will enter the role of IAF chief on May 5, replacing Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.
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