The security cabinet is clarifying that Israel will retaliate if Iran launches missiles at the country, and that it will not agree to halt strikes on Dahieh or forgo a response against Iran — even if that is what President Trump wants, according to a minister quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth.
The security cabinet hardened its stance on Iran this evening in a closed-door session, with a minister quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth stating that Israel will retaliate if Iran fires missiles at the country, and that it will not agree to halt strikes on Dahieh or forgo a response against Iran — even if such a demand comes from President Trump.
The statement sharpens the cabinet's declaratory tone after a series of developments. The security cabinet had already been moved to a secure bunker by 18:28 Jerusalem amid fear of Iranian fire, and an earlier closed-door meeting was convened ahead of an expected Iranian strike, as The Zioneer reported. By 20:32 Jerusalem, officials had clarified that a missile launch from Iran would trigger a response, and ministers understand that Israel cannot agree to halt Dahieh strikes or forgo a response against Iran, according to Amichai Stein (i24NEWS). The new message, attributed to a cabinet minister on the record, adds that this position holds even against White House pressure.
As The Zioneer reported, the hardening comes against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic exchanges. At 14:46 Jerusalem, assessments indicated the security establishment awaited a final decision from Prime Minister Netanyahu. By 20:25 Jerusalem, a report assessed that Trump would soon offer Iran a concession to preempt retaliation for the strike on Dahieh. A joint US-Israel message to Iran reportedly stated that no further attacks would occur if Iran refrained from firing. The cabinet's stance this evening effectively pushes back against expectations of unilateral restraint.
No formal cabinet decision or operational order has been publicly announced. The signal remains based on a single minister quoted in one outlet, and multi-source confirmation is pending.
6 developments
- DevelopingIran threatens stronger retaliation if Israel strikes, amid Trump call for talks
- StrongIran warns of 'fitting response' after Trump strikes again; US gives Israel a 'red light'
- StrongIsraeli assessment: Iran will not fire missiles at Israel in response to US strike
- DevelopingIran threatens decisive military response to US strikes, citing Trump deadline
Source and signal
- Internal intake