JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Wednesday that the Israel Defense Forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to resume operations against Iran, including independent Israeli strikes to neutralize threats.

Speaking at a pilots’ graduation ceremony, Katz emphasized Israel’s readiness to regain air superiority and conduct “blue-and-white” — meaning independent Israeli — operations in Iran if necessary.

“If we need to return, we will return with even greater force,” Katz said.

The comments come amid heightened tensions following prior rounds of conflict between Israel and Iran. Katz stressed that the military is equipped to carry out such strikes “even for a third time” to remove ongoing threats to Israel.

Katz’s remarks accentuate Israel’s determination to act unilaterally if required to safeguard its security, without reliance on external forces.