Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prepare a strategy to maintain “aerial superiority” over Iran in the wake of a fragile ceasefire, signaling that the country will continue to act unilaterally to deter future threats from Tehran.
According to reporting from the Financial Times, Katz told Israeli military leaders on Thursday night that their mission was to develop a “blue and white” enforcement plan—referring to the colors of the Israeli flag—designed to prevent Iran from regaining military capabilities that could threaten the Jewish state.
While Katz’s office provided few specifics, the directive is reminiscent of Israel’s approach to its northern border with Lebanon, where it has continued air strikes against Hizbollah targets despite a formal ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024.
The instruction comes less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran, ending a brief but intense 12-day war. During the conflict, the Israeli Air Force rapidly neutralized Iran’s limited air defense systems, gaining unchallenged control of the skies and paving the way for both Israeli and U.S. strikes, including attacks on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.
Katz emphasized that maintaining air dominance is central to Israel’s strategy moving forward. “The state of Israel is determined to lead an active defence policy against Iran,” he said. “The Israel Defense Forces must ensure air superiority and the ability to enforce the restrictions on Iran.”
Despite the ceasefire, Iranian leaders have not softened their rhetoric. The Supreme National Security Council warned it still had “its finger on the trigger,” and top military officials vowed to retaliate against any future Israeli aggression. Tensions remain high after previous Iranian missile strikes on Israel—retaliation for targeted assassinations of Iranian figures in Tehran and Syria.
Further complicating the situation, Iran’s parliament recently passed legislation suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively blocking inspectors from accessing damaged nuclear facilities. Nevertheless, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed Iran’s continued commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Meanwhile, diplomatic backchannels remain open. Axios reported that Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, may meet with Iranian officials in Europe next week in an effort to stabilize the region.
With both sides maintaining hardened positions and military readiness, analysts warn that the ceasefire may offer only a temporary pause in hostilities, rather than a durable peace.
