Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel is prepared to resume military operations against Iran and is awaiting a "green light" from Donald Trump, according to The Times of Israel.
Speaking during a security assessment, Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are fully ready for both defensive and offensive action, with key targets already identified. These reportedly include Iranian energy infrastructure and senior leadership figures, including Mojtaba Khamenei.
Katz said Israel aims to "complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty," describing it as the driving force behind threats against Israel. He added that any future strike would focus on crippling Iran's economic and energy systems, including electricity and critical infrastructure.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 23, 2026
We are waiting for a green light from the United States—first and foremost to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty, the initiator of the annihilation plan against Israel, as well as the successors of the Iranian terror regime… pic.twitter.com/5FkffrWCGi
He warned that a renewed offensive would be "different and more deadly," delivering strikes in areas designed to inflict maximum strategic damage. According to Katz, such actions would build on previous attacks and could significantly destabilize Iran's leadership and national systems.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 23, 2026
"Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran. The IDF is prepared for both defense and offense, and the targets are marked.
We are waiting for the green light from the U.S., first and foremost, to complete the elimination of the… https://t.co/760uAS7IoW pic.twitter.com/DQeBoTa2bP
"This time, the attack will be different and more deadly, and will add devastating blows in the most painful places, following the enormous blows the Iranian terror regime has already suffered so far, which will shake and collapse its foundations," the defense minister added.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 23, 2026
Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran.
The targets have been marked. pic.twitter.com/Fj4b6KiMSX
The remarks signal a potential escalation in tensions, with Israel indicating readiness for a broader and more intense phase of conflict, pending US approval.
US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that he has directed the US Navy to use lethal force against any small boats suspected of deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that such vessels should be destroyed immediately without delay.
Trump added that the US military has increased mine-clearing efforts in the strategic waterway, with naval sweepers already operating there. He also ordered a major expansion of these operations, calling for mine clearance activities to be tripled to ensure the safety of this key global shipping route.
