Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the achievements of the defense establishment since the outbreak of the war today (Wednesday) at the MUNI EXPO 2026 Local Government Center conference.
Katz said: "We have significant achievements that began with a terrible blow on October 7." According to him, "since then, the entire people, the leadership and the army have acted with great determination.".
Referring to the fighting in the Gaza Strip, the Defense Minister said: "I don't know of a reality where if it weren't for this terrible massacre, someone would have gone in to deal with the Gaza tunnels.".
Katz later referred to the northern arenas and made it clear that Israel does not intend to change the security concept established following the war.
""Even if there is an American demand, we will not leave the security zone in Syria and Lebanon. This is the security concept. The IDF must be on the enemy's side and protect the settlements from within the territory itself.".
According to the minister, "200,000 (Lebanese) residents will not return. There are no residents and there are no terrorists. Why? Because what happened in the past in security zones where there was also a civilian population was IEDs and attacks against the soldiers, and therefore we do not allow that. Soldiers inside, residents outside. The infrastructure is destroyed, the houses are destroyed. We are not retreating.".
In his remarks, the minister made it clear that the campaign against the Iranian wing in Yemen is far from over: "The State of Israel's account with the Houthis is open - they will pay a price.".
He added a direct threat to the organization's leadership: "If their leader comes into our sights, we will eliminate him.".
