'We are at critical juncture to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons': Israel Defence Minister
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday addressed senior military officials ahead of Israel's strikes on Iran, highlighting the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) advanced operational and intelligence capabilities and reiterating Iran's nuclear ambitions as a top threat.
"Upon taking office, I defined the thwarting of Iran's nuclear ambitions as a top priority," Katz said, adding, "Iran is more determined than ever to realise its vision of destroying Israel. We are at a critical juncture; if we miss it, we will have no way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons that threaten our existence."
Referring to the latest escalation, he said, "We have dealt with Iran's proxies over the past year and a half, but now we are dealing with the head of the snake itself."
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Katz noted the IDF's readiness for the operation: "Over the years, and especially in recent months, the IDF has built exceptional capabilities in intelligence and operations, both defensive and offensive, which enable us to effectively confront the major challenges we face."
Reflecting this preparedness, the Israeli Defence Force spokesperson said Israel has launched a "precise, preemptive strike" in Iran.
Live Events
The spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin, said on Friday that the strikes aimed at damaging Iran's nuclear program and in response to the Iranian regime's ongoing aggression against Israel.
— IDF (@IDF)
"For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the State of Israel, planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so. Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began pre-emptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe," he said.
He said the airstrikes were aimed at protecting Israel's right to exist and for its future.
"We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. We cannot allow the Iranian regime to obtain a nuclear weapon that would be a danger to Israel and the entire world. This operation is for our right to exist here, for our future and for our children's future. The State of Israel has the right and the obligation to operate to protect its people and will continue to do so," he said.
Defrin said that Israel is prepared in both- offensive as well as defensive way to defend itself.
"The IDF conducted significant preparations for this operation. We are well prepared both in defence and offence to defend ourselves. The IDF will continue to defend the State of Israel," he said.
Meanwhile, as per The Times of Israel, blasts were heard in Natanz city in Iran's central province of Isfahan, where a key nuclear site is located, Iranian state TV reported.
"Loud explosions were heard in Natanz," which hosts one of the main uranium enrichment facilities, Times of Israel quoted state TV reports.
Iran has two underground nuclear sites, at Fordo and Natanz, and has been building tunnels in the mountains near Natanz since suspected Israeli sabotage attacks targeted that facility.
A complex at the heart of Iran's enrichment program on a plain abutting mountains outside the Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. Natanz houses facilities including two enrichment plants: the vast, underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP), as per The Times of Israel.
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