Israel Warns Iran: Any Attack Will Remove All Restraints

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that Israel will not hold back if attacked by the Islamic Republic. Katz declared that an Iranian attack would "free us from all limitations" and result in Israeli strikes on all Iranian military and civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities. He vowed to "return Iran to darkness and deep into the Stone Age."

Katz indicated that Israel is closely monitoring Iran and sees signs of potential "desperate steps" by Tehran. He suggested that Iran's severe economic difficulties and fears of internal unrest could push its leadership to attack Israel. However, Katz assured that Israel is well-prepared for both defense and offense, with the IDF ready for any scenario.

The defense minister also noted that Iran understands the consequences of a new attack, referencing previous Israeli strikes that have already inflicted significant damage on Iran's strategic capabilities. Katz's statement comes amid ongoing tensions along the Lebanese border, with Israel denying reports that Iran had warned the U.S. through intermediaries about an impending strike in response to an Israeli operation in southern Lebanon.

Israeli defense officials reportedly agree with Katz's assessment, highlighting the positive impact of U.S. economic sanctions on Iran. A military source compared Iran's economic situation to that of the Soviet Union before its collapse, suggesting a similar trajectory. The source also emphasized that the IDF would act against Iran to neutralize any existential threat, even without international support.

Defense experts stressed the importance of defining "red lines" for Iran and communicating them to U.S. partners. They also advised leveraging the current economic and existential pressure on Iran to elevate Israel's security concerns on the international agenda, particularly with the United States. The experts considered two potential outcomes if the Iranian regime collapses: an ideal scenario where Iran relinquishes nuclear weapons and control of the Strait of Hormuz, or a problematic one where Iran retains its nuclear program while seeking a ceasefire, which could undermine Israel's legitimacy.