Defense Minister Katz Warns: "If Iran Attacks Israel, It Will Face a Crushing Blow"

Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ held a security consultation today (Thursday) with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, and with the Air Force commander, the head of the Operations Directorate, the head of Military Intelligence, the head of the Planning Directorate, the Home Front Command chief, and other senior officials.

Katz addressed Iranian threats to respond forcefully and strike countries in the Middle East if the U.S. expands its attacks. The defense minister warned: "We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will face a crushing blow."

According to several Western media outlets, the assessment among Western intelligence agencies is that Iran may want to draw Israel into a confrontation. Against the backdrop of preparations for possible escalation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the inner cabinet tomorrow.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump told "Axios" that he is considering "a massive attack, bigger than ever before" against Iran. In his words, "I am close to making a decision. We are prepared for it." Trump added that Israel would "join within two minutes if I ask," but emphasized that "we don’t need anyone" in order to launch this attack. He also said there would be "consequences" if Israel joins the strikes, apparently meaning that Iran would fire missiles at it in response.

It is worth noting that today the U.S. Senate blocked a proposal led by the Democratic Party that aimed to stop the war with Iran until Congress approves the continuation of the fighting. The proposal, which according to Reuters reflects growing concern in Congress about the war, including among Republicans, did not advance after the Senate voted it down by a margin of 49 to 47.