Katz’s warning was the latest in a series of increasingly forceful messages to Tehran ahead of the Jewish High Holidays.
By United with Israel Staff
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Iran ahead of Rosh Hashana, saying any attack on Israel would trigger a powerful response targeting critical Iranian infrastructure, including major energy facilities.
At the same time, Katz sent separate New Year messages to Iran’s Jewish community and the broader Iranian population, expressing hope that the Islamic Republic’s rule would eventually come to an end.
“Ahead of Rosh Hashana, I want to send wishes for a happy New Year to the Jewish community in Iran and wish them a good and safe year,” Katz said. “You are part of a glorious Jewish history and will always be in our hearts.”
Turning to the Iranian people, Katz added: “Next year in Tehran, liberated from oppression and tyranny.”
The defense minister warned that Iran’s leadership could seek confrontation with Israel as the country faces mounting economic and domestic pressure.
“Given the possibility that, because of the economic stranglehold and the heavy pressure Iran is under, they may decide to act against Israel, I once again warn the Iranian leadership: Any attack on Israel, for any reason and from anywhere, will be met with a powerful response,” Katz said.
He warned that Israel’s response would inflict damage on Iran “that it has not yet experienced,” specifically threatening the country’s major energy facilities.
Katz said those facilities provide resources and capabilities for Iran’s military and terrorist activities and its attacks against Israeli civilians.
“Such a blow would set Iran back decades and further destabilize the ayatollah regime, which the Iranian people so deeply despise and yearn to see fall,” Katz said.
Katz added that, under instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, the IDF remains on alert and prepared to carry out the mission.
Katz’s warning was the latest in a series of increasingly forceful messages to Tehran ahead of the Jewish High Holidays. Earlier this month, he warned that Iran could seek to attack Israel during the holiday period and said the IDF was prepared both defensively and offensively to respond “with great force.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned Tehran against testing Israel ahead of Rosh Hashana, declaring this week that any renewed Iranian attack would bring a blow Iran “cannot even imagine.”
Concluding his Rosh Hashana message, Katz addressed Jews in Israel and around the world.
“I wish the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world a happy New Year, and may our enemies, our haters and all those who seek our harm be removed.”
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