Katz: New phase of fighting to last as long as necessary

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that military operations in Iran and Lebanon will continue indefinitely, emphasizing that the campaigns will persist until all objectives are achieved. Speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz confirmed there is no set timeframe for the Iran operation, noting that significant numbers of Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Basij personnel have been killed. He further described Iran’s leadership as “fleeing like rats into tunnels,” comparing their tactics to those of Hamas in Gaza.

In Lebanon, Katz ordered the military to prepare for expanded operations following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel. He warned that if the Lebanese government fails to control Hezbollah, Israel will act unilaterally to restore security. Recent Israeli strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, including the destruction of the Zrarieh Bridge in southern Lebanon, with leaflets dropped over Beirut warning of a Gaza-style escalation. As of March 14, 2026, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported at least 773 deaths and 1,933 injuries, with over 800,000 people displaced.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted the conflict's risks to global economic stability, particularly for inflation and growth, though it cautioned that the full impact remains uncertain. Analysts note that prolonged regional instability could exacerbate supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility, with potential spillovers into global financial markets. As military campaigns intensify, investors are advised to monitor geopolitical developments and their macroeconomic implications.