Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has alleged that Iran has been actively plotting to assassinate high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Katz made these remarks during an interview with Channel 14. The minister emphasized that Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet (Shabak), plays a critical role in thwarting such attempts. Israeli media outlets have reported that due to these heightened security risks, Netanyahu departed for his recent visit to the United States under stringent security protocols.
Katz further claimed that Israel had intended to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, but faced opposition from the United States. He explained that Washington is concerned that such actions could provoke Iranian retaliatory strikes against neighboring countries, potentially triggering a crisis in the global oil market.
The Israeli Defense Minister asserted that over the past two years, Israel has launched more than 35,000 missile and aerial strikes against Iranian-linked targets. He reiterated that Israel remains prepared to continue its military operations independently, regardless of US policy positions.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated significantly in recent years, characterized by a shadow war involving cyberattacks, maritime sabotage, and targeted strikes. The United States, as a key ally of Israel, frequently engages in diplomatic efforts to manage these escalations, balancing support for Israel's security with concerns over regional stability and global economic impacts.
