Israel to Continue Operations Against Hezbollah: Defence Minister Katz

In his first official comments following the recent Iran-Israel escalation, Katz said, "Dahiyeh in Beirut will be treated the same as the northern communities," referring to the Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut.

"Any attack on the northern communities will lead to an attack in Dahiyeh. The IDF will continue to operate in Lebanon against the Hezbollah terror organisation," he added.

Katz also rejected Iranian warnings issued amid the latest regional tensions.

"Israel categorically rejects Iran's threats," he said. "Any Iranian attempt to link Lebanon and Iran and attack Israel will be met with great force, as happened yesterday," Katz added, according to The Times of Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had halted its attacks on Iran, though he stopped short of formally acknowledging a ceasefire following a day of direct military confrontation.

In his first public remarks since the exchange of strikes, Netanyahu said the fighting had paused after Tehran ceased its attacks on Israeli territory.

"At the moment, the fire has ceased, because after we struck the terror regime in Tehran, it stopped attacking us. If the terror regime in Iran makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force," Netanyahu said.

According to Tasnim News Agency, Iran's military said its recent attacks were carried out in support of Lebanon and in response to Israeli military actions.

"The powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in support of the oppressed people of Lebanon, delivered a painful response to this regime (Israel)," the Iranian military said in a statement.

However, Tehran warned that it was prepared to resume military action if Israel continued its operations, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain active against Hezbollah positions.

"Should the aggressions and hostile acts continue — including in southern Lebanon — far more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming," the statement said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also reiterated Tehran's commitment to both defence and diplomacy.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said, "Diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said both Iran and Israel were seeking an immediate ceasefire following the latest escalation, which involved intense rounds of attacks and counterattacks after Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Trump said final negotiations aimed at securing a broader peace agreement were underway but warned that "ignorance or stupidity" could hinder progress.

"Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate ceasefire! Final negotiations on 'Peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He added that the US blockade on Iran would remain in effect until a final agreement is reached.

"The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a 'Final Deal' is reached. Things should move quickly," Trump said.