Amid rising military tensions between Iran and the United States, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz affirmed that his country is prepared to respond forcefully to any potential Iranian attack.
In a press statement on Wednesday, Katz indicated that Israel is preparing for the possibility of an Iranian attack during the upcoming Jewish holidays, emphasizing that any such attack would elicit a "strong response." He noted that Israel is currently allowing the United States to lead attacks against Iran due to Washington's interest in the Strait of Hormuz and energy security. However, he cautioned that Israel might directly engage in the confrontation.
"We Will Respond with Great Force"
Furthermore, Katz stated: "If they attack us, we will respond with great force, independently of any other party."
He reiterated that Israel had dismantled Iran's nuclear program during "Operation Rising Lion," highlighting that Tel Aviv is monitoring any attempts to rebuild it. Katz stressed that his country "will not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon," according to Israeli media outlets.
This warning followed renewed clashes between Tehran and Washington, after U.S. forces targeted around 100 Iranian sites, mostly linked to the Revolutionary Guard. The U.S. Central Command announced it had struck air defense systems, radar, naval facilities, mine-laying capabilities, and communication sites affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent vowed to intensify the economic blockade on Tehran.
In response, Iran launched drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted, aimed at Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq.
American sources previously reported that the U.S. administration had asked Tel Aviv not to escalate or launch any strikes against Iran following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Iranian and American sides last June, despite Tel Aviv's displeasure with the memorandum at the time. However, this understanding quickly fell apart due to ongoing and escalating disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz.