Israel Threatens Iran With Energy Facility Strikes, Decades of Setback

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, speaking ahead of the Jewish New Year, stated that the Israeli military is on alert and prepared to strike Iranian energy facilities if Tehran launches any attack against Israel. Katz asserted that any Iranian aggression, regardless of its cause or location, would be met with a powerful response, specifically targeting Iran's central energy infrastructure. He claimed such a strike would inflict unprecedented damage, setting Iran back decades.

Katz linked his threats to Iran's economic struggles, suggesting that severe economic pressure might compel the Iranian leadership to act against Israel. He directly warned Iran's leadership that every attack on Israel would result in a harsh retaliation. He also claimed the Iranian people despise their current regime and desire its downfall, expressing hope that the coming year could bring "liberation" to Tehran.

Katz also addressed Iranian Jews, emphasizing their connection to ancient Jewish history, before extending New Year greetings to Jews in Israel and worldwide. These latest threats follow Katz's statement from the previous day, where he declared Israel would attack Iran "a third time if necessary," alleging that prior strikes had damaged Iranian strategic capabilities.

Katz made his initial remarks on Wednesday during a tour with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mount Hermon in occupied Syrian territory, amidst escalating regional tensions between Israel and Iran.