Israel is reportedly awaiting approval from the United States before initiating a large-scale military operation against Iran, according to statements made by senior Israeli officials amid heightened regional tensions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a renewed warning to Tehran, indicating that the Israeli military is prepared for potential action but is currently waiting for what he described as a “green light” from Washington. His remarks were delivered in the context of ongoing security assessments and reflect close coordination with Israel’s principal strategic ally.
Katz stated that any prospective military operation would be designed to severely undermine Iran’s capabilities. He did not provide operational details, but his language suggested that the potential scope of such action could be extensive and strategically significant.
The comments were made during a security review meeting held in Tel Aviv on 7 March 2026. The meeting brought together senior figures from Israel’s defence establishment to assess the current security environment and preparedness levels. Katz chaired the discussions, which included participation from the highest levels of the Israeli military command structure.
Among those present were the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, Eyal Zamir, and the head of the military intelligence directorate, known as Aman, Shlomi Binder. Other senior military officials also attended the session, which focused on operational readiness and regional security dynamics.
Katz emphasised during the meeting that Israeli forces remain on high alert and are prepared for both defensive and offensive scenarios. He further stated that all military options remain under consideration, subject to coordination with the United States. His remarks highlighted the continued importance of US-Israel strategic alignment in decisions involving regional military action.
The Defence Minister also referred to Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, within the broader framework of Israel’s security assessments. These references were made in the context of escalating political and military tensions between the two countries.
The developments come against a backdrop of sustained regional volatility involving Israel and Iran, with particular concern centred on strategically sensitive areas. These include the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, as well as Israel’s northern border region, both of which are frequently cited in security analyses as potential flashpoints.
Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining readiness across multiple scenarios, while also coordinating closely with international partners. The latest comments by Katz are being viewed as part of ongoing signalling between regional actors and their allies regarding deterrence and preparedness.
Key Security Meeting Participants
| Name | Position | Role in Meeting |
|---|---|---|
| Israel Katz | Defence Minister of Israel | Chaired security review and outlined policy stance |
| Eyal Zamir | Chief of Staff, Israel Defence Forces | Presented operational military readiness |
| Shlomi Binder | Head of Aman (Military Intelligence Directorate) | Provided intelligence assessment |
The statements were reported by Middle East Monitor, which cited remarks and details from Israeli defence discussions.