Dr Mike Evans

Netanyahu warns of response to threats of attacks by Iran By Dr Mike Evans

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Israel’s adversaries, including Iran, that the nation would respond decisively if provoked, as international warnings emerged regarding a potential Iranian attack against Israel.

“While visiting the Tel Now Air Base to address the 133rd Squadron, which operates F-15 fighter jets, Netanyahu emphasized, ‘Whoever harms us, we will harm them,'” he stated.
“We are ready to address all of Israel’s security requirements, both defensively and offensively.”

Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s current challenges, including its conflict with Hamas in Gaza and ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held there.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz was more direct in a statement on Wednesday, asserting, “If Iran launches an attack from its territory, Israel will retaliate.” tensions in a region already strained by the Gaza conflict.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the April 1 attack, which Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on Wednesday that Israel “must be punished,” characterizing it as an assault on Iranian soil.

President Joe Biden publicly reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security during remarks at the White House on Wednesday.

According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the “U.S. will stand with Israel against any threats posed by Iran and its proxies.”

Behind the scenes, the US worked to ease escalating tensions between the two adversaries, aggravated by Israel’s engagements over the past six months with two Iranian proxy groups, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

While Tehran has refrained from direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, it has voiced support for its allies, such as the Houthis, who have targeted cargo ships in the Red Sea in protest against Israel’s military actions against Hamas.

U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk also contacted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to deliver a message to Iran urging de-escalation with Israel.