Security cabinet member and Energy Minister Eli Cohen said in an interview Wednesday that if Iran attacks Israel, the response will come even without approval from President Trump. In the same interview with the BaKehila weekly, Cohen also criticized the handling of the draft law, saying the treatment of yeshiva students' families is unacceptable and that the delay in passing the law was a mistake.
Security cabinet member and Energy Minister Eli Cohen gave an interview to Shlomo Kook, editor of the BaKehila weekly, published Wednesday evening. Cohen made two notable statements.
On Iran, Cohen said: 'If Iran dares to attack, Israel will respond even without Trump's approval.' The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, and ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear deal. Cohen has previously warned that any Iranian attack would be met with greater force than before, as The Zioneer reported on July 21.
On the domestic front, Cohen criticized the government's handling of the military draft law, which has caused controversy over the exemption of yeshiva students. He said: 'Unfortunately, the families of yeshiva students are being treated like the families of terrorists. It is unthinkable to harm the wives and children of learners. The postponement of the draft law was a mistake. If I had managed the crisis, I could have reached a consensus.'
- DevelopingEnergy Minister Eli Cohen warns Iran: Any attack will be met with greater force than before
- StrongKatz warns Iran: Any attack on Israel over Lebanon will draw 'full-force' response
- StrongIsraeli sources: Iran would only strike Israel directly if Israel enters conflict; could target Israel if US hits Houthis
- DevelopingCommentator Yair Goldblatt questions whether Israel can strike Iran under immediate threat without US backing
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