Overview
- Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly declared that any Iranian attack on Israeli territory would lift existing constraints on Israel’s military response and permit strikes on a wide range of Iranian infrastructure, including energy and electricity facilities.
- Katz said heavy U.S. sanctions and reported U.S. air operations have intensified economic strain on Iran and could push Tehran toward ‘desperate steps’ that raise the chance of retaliation.
- Reporting indicates Iran has struck U.S. military targets in the region in response to U.S. actions but has not, so far, attacked Israel; Israeli officials say the Israel Defense Forces are on high alert.
- Katz warned the approaching Jewish High Holy Days carry elevated risk because Iran has in the past timed attacks around religious holidays and pressure on the regime could increase that likelihood.
- Targeting Iranian energy and civilian infrastructure would carry wide economic and humanitarian costs and could rapidly widen the conflict, threatening civilians, regional supply routes and U.S.-Israel military coordination.