Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz warned Iran on Thursday following a high-level security meeting with military leadership that any Iranian attack on Israel would face overwhelming force. Katz stated, "We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow."
The security consultation included IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zalit, Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, commanders of the Israeli Air Force and Operations Directorate, heads of the Intelligence Directorate and Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, the Home Front Command commander, and other senior defense officials.
The meeting came as Western intelligence agencies assessed that Iran could initiate the next phase of hostilities by striking Israel first. During an interview on Channel 14 the same day, Likud MK Moshe Saada stated, "We all know that we're approaching a strike on Iran - perhaps even this weekend. Those are the current assessments."
President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday that he was considering a major military strike against Iran. Speaking with journalist Barak Ravid, Trump said, "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it." Trump noted that Israel "would join within two minutes if I asked" And emphasized that "we don't need anyone" To conduct a military operation against Iran, though he acknowledged such action would carry significant consequences and had not yet made a final decision.