Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened Iran with a powerful counterstrike if Tehran launches a new attack on Israel, stating that Tel Aviv's response will be unpredictable.
"If Iran makes a mistake and attacks us, it will suffer a blow it cannot even imagine," Netanyahu said during the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting. He added that Iran is currently refraining from attacking and that "it knows why."
The Israeli prime minister's statements come about 50 days before the October 27 parliamentary elections, at a time when polls show a decline in support for Netanyahu and his Likud party. According to reports, Israeli officials believe that the government is increasing military pressure on several fronts, in an attempt to consolidate the support of right-wing parties ahead of the elections.
Netanyahu also stated that Israel and the United States have achieved what he called "extraordinary achievements" in confronting the Iranian threat.
"Together with the United States, we have achieved extraordinary achievements in removing an existential threat that hangs over our heads," he said, claiming that the US-Israeli alliance has significantly weakened Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities and that the regime in Tehran is nearing its end.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated significantly since the launch of US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, while Tehran has responded with missiles and drones against Israel and American targets in the region.
In June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, aimed at setting out steps to reduce hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address economic issues. However, relations have remained tense, with both sides accusing each other of failing to honour commitments.
Netanyahu's latest threat comes in a tense political and military climate, as Israel approaches October elections and the clash with Iran remains a top national security issue.
