Israel is ready to attack Iran and is waiting for U.S. approval – Defense Minister

Following a meeting with the General Staff on April 23, 2026, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the army is fully prepared to resume full-scale war against Iran. According to him, the targets for the attacks have already been identified, and the main condition for launching the operation is a “green light” from Washington. 

This was reported by The Times of Israel.

Katz emphasized that the new plan calls for a devastating blow to the Iranian economy, specifically through the destruction of key energy and electrical facilities. The goal of the operation is the complete collapse of the regime and the elimination of the “Khamenei dynasty.” The minister described the state of the Iranian leadership as “unprecedentedly weak,” noting that the country’s airspace remains open to the Israeli Air Force.

The statement came amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 8 following six weeks of intense bombing by the U.S. and Israel. Despite the ceasefire, the situation in the region remains tense due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Katz, Israel will not allow Tehran to use the lull to rebuild its missile capabilities and is prepared to take decisive action at any moment. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are on high alert.

Iran stated that a possible ceasefire in the war with the U.S. would only make sense if the naval blockade is lifted and Israel ceases hostilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is not setting strict deadlines for reaching a ceasefire or resuming negotiations with Iran.

Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has repeatedly violated the ceasefire since it was established between Washington and Tehran. According to Trump, there have been numerous incidents that cast doubt on Iran’s compliance with the ceasefire agreements.