Defense Minister Israel Katz said today that Israel is not ruling out the possibility of an Iranian attack during the High Holy Days – which begin Friday at sundown with Rosh Hashanah – and is on emergency standby. Ynet reports that Israel has resumed monitoring Iran on a daily basis as the U.S. carries out additional strikes this week, with the most recent taking place last night.
“The prime minister and I are following this on a daily basis together with the IDF, sometimes in the middle of the night on the red phone,” he (Katz) said. “We are not taking any information lightly. We do not want to be surprised. We are prepared.”
Katz said the IDF, including the Israeli Air Force, was ready to strike Iran if necessary.
“If they attack us, we will respond with great force, independently of anyone else,” he said.
Katz said Israel was currently allowing the United States to take the lead in strikes against Iran because of American interests involving the Strait of Hormuz and energy security.
“For now, they are striking throughout the region except us,” he said. “But there is a possibility that they will attack us. We are prepared for that defensively.”
Last night, the U.S. launched strikes on Iran’s southern coast, targeting air defenses, radar networks, and communications sites being used by Iran. In response, Iran once again launched attacks on American bases across the region, expanding its targets to include Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.
Iran has claimed that U.S. forces in Jordan and Iraq were killed in its attacks, but U.S. officials said there were no fatalities.
The IDF is said to control about 60% to 70% of Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an outpost in the enclave today, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to disarming Hamas. The IDF also remains on high alert in the area as the High Holy Days approach.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for Israel and her people as they prepare to observe the holiest time on the Jewish calendar under the very real threat of attacks and terrorism. We also pray that Israel’s military efforts, along with those of the U.S., are successful in protecting innocent lives and confronting these threats.