Katz: Israel Ready to Strike Iran 'With Great Force' if Attacked Over the High Holidays

Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, September 2, that Israel is prepared to respond "with great force" if Iran attacks during the upcoming Jewish holiday period, following the largest exchange of fire between Washington and Tehran since July. His remarks came after the US military said on Tuesday, September 1, that it had struck Iranian targets, including air defenses and mine-laying capabilities, in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed attacks on US military targets in Jordan, Kuwait, Iraqi Kurdistan, and the United Arab Emirates, and later on Wednesday Saudi Arabia said one of its oil tankers had been hit in a deadly Iranian attack in the strait.

Speaking at a media conference, Katz said that "for now," Iran is "striking throughout the region except us." "But there is a possibility that they will attack us. We are prepared for that defensively," he said. Israel is ready for a possible attack from Iranian forces over the High Holiday season, which begins in mid-September, Katz said.

If Iran attacks, Israel will "respond with great force, independently of anyone else," Katz said, adding that "our planes are ready to take off." "They like to attack on Jewish holidays because, after all, they hate Jews. Look at the many things that have happened in the past. But we are prepared both defensively and offensively, in coordination with the United States in this regard," he said.

(TOI/VFI News)

Pray for Israel's defenders as the High Holidays approach. Ask the Lord to keep the IDF and the Israel Air Force alert and ready, to expose and thwart every Iranian plan against the Jewish people, and to guard every home, synagogue, and holiday table across the land. May Israel enter the new year in security, and may those who plot against her be confounded.