Katz: We Expect the International Coalition to Join Israel in Attacking Iran

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz indicated that "Hamas may harden its positions during the Doha negotiations and is waiting for an Iranian attack on Israel as an alternative to negotiations." In a statement following a meeting with his French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné and British counterpart David Lammy, Katz said that "if Iran attacks, Israel expects the international coalition led by the United States, Britain, and France to join Israel not only in defense but also in attacking significant targets in Iran." He emphasized that "Israel will not be able to refrain from responding strongly to any attack against it, and Iran must understand that if it does not stop its direct and indirect aggression against Israel, it will pay a heavy price in both strategic and economic terms," noting that "this is the only opportunity to prevent a comprehensive war." He added that "Israel is interested in reaching a deal that would lead to the release of hostages and will do everything in its power in the negotiations to promote such a deal," adding: "Hamas may harden its positions and wait for the Iranian attack on Israel as an alternative to negotiations."