Israel aims to build space-based laser weapons, Defense Minister says
Israel Katz unveils ambitious plan to develop offensive space capabilities while warning the military is preparing for renewed conflict with Iran.
Israel is seeking to develop offensive laser capabilities in space as part of a broader effort to secure a long-term military advantage over its regional adversaries, Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday, outlining an ambitious vision that extends far beyond the country's current missile defense systems.
Speaking at a briefing with military and diplomatic reporters, Katz said Israel has made the development of advanced space-based capabilities one of its highest defense priorities.
"One of the central goals that the prime minister and I set is that we are recruiting the best minds," Katz said. "As of today, no country has the ability to mount attacks in space. We must be the leading country in the world with this capability."
Katz said Israel is investing heavily in developing both offensive and defensive capabilities in space, including what he described as "powerful laser beams," with the aim of placing the country among the world's three leading military powers in the field.
"If we achieve this, it will ensure the advantage of deterrence, of the ability to attack, destroy, and all of the other matters, versus our enemies with large resources," he said.
The remarks offered a rare public glimpse into Israel's long-term military planning, suggesting that the government sees space as the next strategic frontier alongside artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and missile defense.
Katz said the Defense Ministry has allocated significant additional resources to the effort.
"I said, 'I want the best minds to bring things that do not exist in the world,'" he said, describing the initiative as one intended not only to strengthen Israel's military edge but also to deepen strategic cooperation with allied countries.
The comments came during a wide-ranging briefing in which Katz also warned that Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran.
He said the Israel Defense Forces had been instructed to prepare for an independent Israeli military operation should Iran attack Israel with missiles.
"If Iran fires missiles at Israel, Israel will strike Iran with force," Katz said. "There is no equation we will accept in which Iran fires at Israel."
According to Katz, two scenarios could reignite the conflict: a collapse of U.S.-Iran negotiations or a direct Iranian attack on Israel.
"My directive to the IDF is to prepare for a blue-and-white operation in Iran," he said, using a term referring to an Israeli-led military campaign.
Katz stressed that Israel does not seek to undermine U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts with Tehran but said Israel's freedom to defend itself was non-negotiable.
"When it comes to defending ourselves, there are no compromises, not in Lebanon and not in Iran," he said.
Beyond Iran, Katz reiterated that Israel intends to maintain military positions in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, arguing that holding territory has become a central element of Israel's postwar security doctrine.
He also said Israel supports efforts to strengthen the Lebanese army if it acts against Hezbollah, while warning that Israeli forces would continue operating against threats emerging from Syria and would not allow Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities in Gaza.
