Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to draw up an “enforcement plan” aimed at ensuring Iran cannot again threaten the country, according to a statement released on 4 July. Katz said the military must prepare both operationally and through intelligence gathering to preserve Israeli air superiority over Tehran and to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear and ballistic-missile capabilities. The directive follows a 12-day conflict that began on 13 June, when Israeli aircraft struck Iranian nuclear and military sites. The United States joined the campaign on 22 June, and a U.S.-brokered cease-fire took effect on 24 June. Israeli officials say 28 people were killed in Israel during the fighting, while Iranian authorities put their death toll at about 935, most of them civilians. Katz’s comments underline Israel’s intention to maintain a policy of “active defence” despite the truce. Senior Iranian commanders have warned that any renewed Israeli attack would draw a “painful” response, underscoring the fragility of the cease-fire and the risk of a new escalation in the region.