Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that the country’s military is ready to take action against Iran, which is a “global and regional issue”.
Last week, after a deadly drone attack on an Israeli-managed oil tanker off the coast of Oman, tensions in the area continued to increase. Gantz made the above comments on Thursday.
Israel stated that it provided “conclusive evidence” to its allies that Iran was behind the attack on the “Mercer Street” tanker, but did not provide details. The United States and the United Kingdom also accused Iran of launching an attack that caused the death of two crew members in the United Kingdom and Romania, and demanded a response from Iran. Iran denies these allegations, saying that if other countries decide to attack their interests, Iran will “respond decisively.”
On Thursday, Gantz was interviewed on a local media website. When asked if Israel is planning to strike Iran, he replied: “Yes.”
Gantz also told the news site Ynet that Israel is prepared to participate in “multi-line” conflicts that may include Iran.
“Iran is a global and regional issue, and it is also a challenge for Israel,” Gantz said.
“We need to continue to develop our ability to deal with multiple fronts because this is the future,” he added.
Iran did not immediately respond.
One day ago, on Wednesday, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that countries threatening Iran, especially Israel, must have a realistic understanding of Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
Hussein Salami said during a visit to the troops located along the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, “In our defense policy and strategy, any behavior of any enemy at any time and in any range is not tolerable. It is impossible for us not to react harshly and decisively.”
He said, “We are prepared for any situation,” adding that his message is an action, not diplomacy.
(Al Jazeera)Gantz’s remarks coincided with the swearing-in of the hardliner Ibrahim Lacey as the president of Iran. His remarks are the latest example of Israel’s claim that it is preparing to strike Iran militaryly.
In January of this year, Israeli Lieutenant General Aviv Kochawi stated that he had instructed troops to strengthen training to prepare for a possible offensive against Iran this year.
Israel has always been strongly opposed to the United States and other Western powers resuming the nuclear agreement signed between Iran and the world powers in 2015, which will allow Iran to reduce its nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions.
US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from this landmark agreement in 2018.
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