Netanyahu threatens ‘very sharp response’ if Iran attacks

Israeli prime minister says Israel is keeping a close eye on Iran’s missile exercises and making the “necessary preparations” ahead of a possible escalation.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that any aggressive moves by the Islamic republic would draw a “very sharp response” from Israel.

Speaking Monday at a joint press conference in Israel with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Netanyahu sent a clear message to Tehran, amid missile exercises being conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“We are aware that Iran is conducting military exercises,” Netanyahu told reporters. “We are making the necessary preparations.”

“I want to make it clear to Tehran that any action against Israel will be met with a very sharp response.”

When asked by a reporter whether a new air campaign against Iran would be on the agenda during his meeting with President Donald Trump later this month, Netanyahu said Israel is “not seeking confrontation with anyone.”

“We seek stability, prosperity and peace.”

Over the past few days, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ aerospace division has carried out large-scale exercises in Iranian airspace involving missiles and drones, raising concerns in Israel that the drills could be preparations for a new conflict with Israel or may serve as cover for a surprise attack.

Iran has claimed the exercises are defensive in nature, rejecting accusations that Tehran is preparing to attack Israel.

“Iran’s defensive capabilities are by no means an issue that can be discussed,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Israel’s security and intelligence establishments have raised concerns with their American counterparts that Iran’s repeated military exercises could be a prelude to an armed conflict, amid reports Iran has nearly restored its ballistic missile arsenal to the pre-war level.