Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Thursday, 3 September threatened to target Iran's military and civilian infrastructure — including its energy facilities — if Tehran launches an attack on Israel. The warning, delivered in a video statement, marks one of the most direct threats from an Israeli cabinet minister toward Iran in recent months, as regional tensions continue to escalate.

What Katz Said

In his statement, Katz cautioned that economic pressure and fears of domestic unrest could push the Iranian leadership toward what he called 'desperate measures.' He said an Iranian strike on Israel would remove all existing restraints on Israel's response.

'An Iranian attack on Israel will free Israel from any existing restraint in attacking Iran,' Katz said. 'We will strike all national military and civilian infrastructure in Iran — including energy infrastructure.' He further warned that Israel would 'return Iran deep into the Stone Age and darkness,' adding that Israel was prepared 'in defence and attack for any possibility.'

Regional Context and Iran's Prior Warning

The remarks came against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. Iran had reportedly warned Washington last month that it would respond forcefully if Israel launched an offensive against the Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, according to media reports. The ridge, situated approximately 15 km from the Israeli border, has emerged as a critical flashpoint in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Israel contends that Hezbollah maintains underground military facilities in the area and has carried out repeated strikes on and around the ridge.

Fresh Clashes in Southern Lebanon

Separately, on Wednesday, Israel struck southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched two explosive drones at Israeli troops — the latest provocation testing the fragile June ceasefire. Lebanon's National News Agency reported Israeli shelling and airstrikes on Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Arab Salim, and the Ali al-Taher Ridge, as well as machine-gun fire directed toward Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.

The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that Hezbollah had launched the drones overnight toward its troops at the Ali al-Taher Ridge. The Israeli army said it shot down one of the drones, with no casualties immediately reported. Israel said it had subsequently targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the Nabatieh area and sites it described as being used to plan and direct attacks against Israeli forces.

What This Signals

Katz's threat to target civilian energy infrastructure — if carried out — would represent a significant escalation beyond previous Israeli strikes, which have primarily focused on military and weapons depots. Analysts note that such rhetoric, while partly aimed at deterrence, also reflects growing Israeli frustration with what it sees as Iranian-backed pressure on multiple fronts simultaneously. This is the latest in a series of escalatory warnings exchanged between Jerusalem and Tehran over the past several months, with both sides publicly signalling readiness for a broader confrontation.