Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke at the officers' course graduation ceremony at Officer Training Base 1 and said: "We beheaded the leadership of the Houthi terror organization in Yemen and removed the threats of annihilation against the State of Israel in an operation in Iran. We will not allow threats of annihilation against Israel in the future either – and we will act against any threat, near and far." According to him, "I say from here to all our enemies: Do not test us and do not challenge our determination – because you will find before you a united people and a strong, victorious army. The policy today is one of initiative, decisiveness, removal of threats and defense of Israeli borders and communities from enemy territory. The IDF will remain in the Gaza security zone forever."