Israel Warns Iran of Massive Retaliation if It Launches New Attack

Jerusalem (Terror Monitor) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Iran that any new attack on Israel would trigger a massive Israeli military response.

According to Israel’s Defense Ministry, Katz told ministry employees that if Iran attacks Israel, the country would target Iran’s national military and civilian infrastructure, as well as its energy systems. He said Israel would “send Iran back to the Stone Age and an era of darkness.”

Katz added that an Iranian attack would “free” Israel from all existing restrictions and limitations, although he did not specify what restrictions he was referring to.

The Israeli defense minister also said Israel was monitoring signs that growing economic pressure on Iran could push Tehran toward an “unusual military move.” He claimed that economic difficulties, the possibility of public unrest and fears of the government’s collapse could compel Iran’s leadership to take extreme measures.

A day earlier, Katz had also warned that Israel was concerned Iran could attempt an attack during the upcoming Jewish religious holidays. According to Israeli news website Ynet, Katz said Tehran could seek to launch an attack during the holiday period.

The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, begins on the evening of September 11, while Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, begins on the evening of September 20. Israeli officials say they are preparing for possible Iranian action during the period.

Iran also launched attacks against Israel in April during the Jewish holiday of Passover amid the ongoing war.

U.S. President Donald Trump used similarly strong language against Iran in April, threatening to send the country “back to the Stone Age.”

Such statements have drawn strong reactions in Iran. According to the German news agency dpa, a number of Iranians, including critics of the Iranian government, expressed anger and opposition to the use of such rhetoric.