[Israeli Defense Minister Hints at Possible Future Military Action to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons] Golden Finance reported on June 13 that Israeli Defense Minister Katz issued a statement on June 12, saying that Israel must ensure it has the capability to take independent action in the future to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. To this end, he and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli military to make the necessary preparations. The *Times of Israel* believes Katz's remarks suggest that Israel may once again resort to military force in the future to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In his statement, Katz said that U.S. President Trump is promoting an agreement with Iran based on U.S. interests, which also includes shared U.S.-Israeli interests—namely, preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Katz stated, "We expect him (Trump) to adhere to this principle and also maintain a firm stance on Iran's missile program and its 'terrorist proxies' issue." The statement further emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the so-called "security zones" it occupies in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. It stated that Israel's security principles involve addressing "threats both near and far" simultaneously, "rather than compromising or making concessions." (Xinhua News Agency)