Israel: We Are Not Seeking War with Iran, But Will Do Whatever Necessary for Self-Defense

A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on Sunday that the country is not seeking war with the Islamic Republic, but at the same time warned that Israel will do "whatever is necessary" for its self-defense. This position is reiterated by a senior Israeli official as the Islamic Republic has blamed Israel for last week's airstrike on its consulate building in Damascus, the capital of Syria, and threatened retaliation and countermeasures. According to The Hill, Tal Heinrich, in an interview with 'News Nation' in the U.S., echoed the stance of Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, stating that "the attack on the consulate building does not constitute an attack on a diplomatic location whatsoever." He added, "The building that was attacked, according to Israeli intelligence, was actually a cover military base. Furthermore, the Islamic Republic has a long history of attacking embassies, such as the attack on the U.S. embassy in Tehran, and hostage-taking." The spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister further stated, "We stand against the spread of their sick worldview and Islamic revolution across the globe and will defend ourselves; whenever necessary, whatever is necessary. But Israel is not seeking war." The airstrike attributed to Israel on Monday against the Islamic Republic's consulate building in Damascus resulted in the deaths of seven senior members of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the head of the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, General Herzi Halevi, previously emphasized that the Israeli army is fully prepared to respond to threats from the Islamic Republic following the deaths of several senior IRGC commanders in the Syrian capital. An unnamed U.S. official also stated on Friday regarding the Islamic Republic's threat of retaliation that the United States is on full alert in the face of any potential attacks by the Islamic Republic against Israeli or U.S. interests in the region. According to Reuters, this official confirmed a CNN report that the Islamic Republic is preparing a large number of Shahed drones and cruise missiles to attack Israeli positions, stating, "The United States is monitoring the situation closely." A senior congressional member noted that Americans in the Middle East remain at risk due to the Islamic Republic's threats. An advisor to Khamenei threatened Israeli embassies, stating, "How it will happen, you must wait and see." The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army reiterated that they are ready to confront threats from the Islamic Republic. Israel claims it is prepared for a potential confrontation with the Islamic Republic. The U.S. has warned the Islamic Republic not to use Israel's attack on Damascus as an excuse to target its personnel and facilities. American media reported that the Islamic Republic is preparing for "retaliation" against Israel's attack on its consulate in Syria. The United States is on full alert to confront threats from the Islamic Republic.