Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Thursday that Iran would suffer a “crushing blow” if it attacks the Jewish state, following a high-level security assessment with the country’s top military leadership.
“We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will absorb a crushing blow,” Katz said, according to a statement from his office.
The meeting included IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the heads of the IDF Operations Directorate, Intelligence Directorate and Planning Directorate, Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and other senior defense officials.
The assessment came amid continued regional tensions following joint U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran and its regional proxy network.
Israeli defense officials have said they are preparing for both defensive and offensive scenarios, including intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, protecting the home front and carrying out retaliatory strikes if necessary.
Senior Israeli officials have said that Israel remains prepared for a possible Iranian attack and would respond forcefully to any aggression.