JERUSALEM, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Saturday that "the global and regional struggle against Iran is escalating and we are entering the final decisive phase," according to a statement issued by his office.

This photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023 shows Israeli army deployed in Upper Galilee of northern Israel. (Photo: Xinhua)

Speaking during a situation assessment with army chief Eyal Zamir and other senior officers, Katz noted that this decisive phase "will last as long as necessary."

Meanwhile, air defense sirens were activated on Saturday in Israel's southernmost Red Sea city of Eilat following missiles launched from Iran, with no reports of damage or casualties.

The statement came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional proxies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.