Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated on Friday his anticipation that countries within the U.S.-led coalition will support Israel not only in defensive measures but also in offensive actions against critical targets in case Iran attacks Israel.
Katz expressed these views during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who visited Israel with the aim of averting regional escalation and facilitating a hostage agreement between Hamas and Israel, as per a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The Israeli minister conveyed to the visiting officials that he expects France and Britain to make a public declaration to Iran, emphasizing that any attack on Israel would be unacceptable.
“Iran must understand that if it does not stop its direct aggression and through its proxies against Israel, it will pay a heavy price in the strategic and economic fields and that this is the only chance to prevent an all-out war,” Katz added. “Israel will not be able not to respond forcefully to any harm against it.”
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Katz stated that Israel is keen on reaching an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and will exert all efforts in the negotiations to facilitate this. However, he cautioned that Hamas may adopt a more rigid stance and could potentially await an Iranian offensive as a substitute for negotiations.
The tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified following the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Iranian authorities have consistently declared their intention to retaliate against Israel, which they hold responsible for the assassination.