Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that Israel is prepared for any scenario if Iran fires at Israel, but reiterated that Israel has no interest in joining the US-led campaign. He stated that the central goal of the campaign is toppling the Iranian regime through economic collapse, and the current situation with a US naval blockade is best for Israel.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that Israel is prepared for any scenario if Iran fires at Israel, warning that 'they will regret it.' The remarks, made after the security cabinet meeting, expand on his earlier statement at 10:34 Jerusalem that Israel has no interest in joining the US-led campaign and that the current situation — with a US naval blockade — is best for Israel.
As The Zioneer reported at 10:34 Jerusalem, Smotrich initially said after the cabinet meeting that Israel's central goal in the campaign is toppling the Iranian regime through economic collapse. The new comments add a direct warning to Iran, framing Israel's readiness as a deterrent. The thread began with reports from N13 and Abu Ali Express, and the latest update adds Smotrich's own amplified language.
The Zioneer has previously reported that the Trump administration opposes Israeli involvement in the conflict, fearing escalation (Fri Jul 10, 17:21 Jerusalem), and that a senior Israeli source told Maariv that Prime Minister Netanyahu prefers sanctions pressure over direct war (Sat Jul 11, 17:17 Jerusalem). Smotrich's own past statements have included calls for a large-scale response in Lebanon (Mon Jun 8, 12:33 Jerusalem) and a declaration that Israel is not bound by any emerging agreement with Iran (Tue Jun 23, 18:43 Jerusalem).
It remains unclear whether Smotrich's warning reflects a formal cabinet position or his personal view. No official confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office or the IDF has been issued regarding any change in operational posture.
4 developments
- StrongNetanyahu held overnight security consultation; Smotrich: Israel has no interest in US-Iran conflict
- DevelopingSmotrich says there is a crisis with Trump, challenge is managing it without harming Israeli security
- ConfirmedSmotrich: Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon, deepening rift with US over Iran deal
- DevelopingSmotrich calls for massive Lebanon response instead of tit-for-tat with Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake