JERUSALEM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Friday that he is committed, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and all parties, to leading a "clear course of action" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Katz noted that when appointed defense minister in November last year, he pledged to achieve two main goals: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and winning the multi-front war.

"The military is currently fighting for victory in all arenas," he said, adding, "We will not allow threats of annihilation against Israel."

His remarks echoed a Thursday statement from Netanyahu's office, which insisted that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

The Israeli rhetoric came ahead of the second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, which will be held this weekend in the Italian capital of Rome.

The first round of indirect talks was held in Oman's Muscat last week, with both sides describing the talks as "constructive." ■