Katz: We will not allow Iran to have nukes

In what is perhaps a sign of growing mistrust in negotiations between the United States and Iran, Defense Minister Israel Katz openly hinted to the IDF senior leadership that it will have to make "decisions" to stop the Iranian nuclear program - presumably regarding military operations.

Here is the full, official statement:

"The security of the State of Israel and the Jewish people rests on your shoulders. Even on this Memorial Day eve, we are in the midst of a war, remembering the fallen, thanking them for their sacrifice, their dedication, and for the way their courage and devotion commanded and continues to command life for this country.

"We are in the midst of a war with acts of heroism, determination, and dedication, with regular, career, and reserve soldiers standing on all fronts.

"The central missions - first and foremost - to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Israel will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, and we are preparing, of course in deep dialogue with the United States.

"The second thing, which is currently at the forefront of action and fighting, is returning the hostages and defeating Hamas in Gaza. We will act to ensure that a murderous organization like Hamas will not be on the other side - this is a reality that cannot coexist.

"Alongside this, the policy of defending the borders and communities in Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria, and of course Gaza. We will not allow enemies of this kind to stand against our communities and our residents. The IDF will stand and be a buffer between any threat from such extremist groups, whose goal is to destroy the State of Israel and the Jewish people - we will never leave the communities of the Western Negev standing alone against the enemy on the other side.

"We know there are people we can rely on, and we know that when we ultimately need to make decisions, we know there are those who will implement them: thus in every place and thus against Iran - if action is needed, there are those who will do it.

"I am convinced that with God's help we will win, with the help of the wonderful soldiers and commanders, and I see a good future for this region.

"I honor and bow my head in memory of the fallen and express my appreciation and bless the commanders and soldiers of the IDF for all their activities for the security of the State of Israel."