Iran will face a 'crushing blow' if it attacks Israel, Katz warns after security assessment

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, vowing a devastating response to any attack on Israel. The declaration came after a significant security consultation involving Israel's top military and defense leadership, including the IDF Chief of Staff, the Defense Ministry Director-General, the Air Force commander, senior intelligence officials, and the head of the Home Front Command.

The meeting brought together key figures responsible for Israel's offensive capabilities, air defense systems, intelligence gathering, and civilian protection. While Minister Katz did not specify if the consultation was prompted by a particular intelligence alert, the broad participation underscored the gravity of the perceived threat.

Reports from Western intelligence agencies suggest that Iran may be considering striking first. These assessments, according to Ynet, are partly based on intelligence officials' perception of Jerusalem's reluctance to re-enter a wider conflict and potential strains in Israeli-American relations that Tehran might seek to leverage. However, the specific agencies and evidence behind these assessments were not disclosed, leaving the possibility of an Iranian first strike as an intelligence assessment rather than a confirmed operational warning.

Israeli officials have voiced similar concerns in recent months. In May, intelligence warnings indicated Iran might be preparing a surprise missile and drone attack. Earlier, the IDF chief had stated the military was prepared for a potentially imminent Iranian attack, and Israeli officials reiterated that any strike would be met with a forceful response. Defense officials also believe Tehran is attempting to exploit perceived U.S. reluctance to resume military action, using the resulting uncertainty to improve its strategic position and test the limits of Israeli and U.S. restraint.

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We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow.