Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning on Thursday that Iran would face a "crushing blow" If it attacks Israel, following a high-level security assessment with senior military leadership.
"We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will absorb a crushing blow," Katz said in a statement from his office.
The meeting brought together 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, leaders 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 occurred as regional tensions persisted following joint U.S. And Israeli military operations targeting Iran and its regional proxy network.
Israeli defense officials have indicated preparations for both defensive and offensive scenarios, encompassing interception of Iranian missiles and drones, home front protection and potential retaliatory strikes if needed.
Senior Israeli officials have stated that Israel remains ready for a possible Iranian attack and would respond forcefully to any aggression.