Katz urges visiting French, British FMs to ‘join Israel’ in striking Iran if Tehran attacks first

Foreign Minister Israel Katz tells his visiting French and British counterparts that their countries should join Israel in striking Iran if the Islamic Republic retaliates against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

“Foreign Minister Katz made it clear to the foreign ministers of France and Britain that Israel expects France and Britain to publicly clarify to Iran that it is unacceptable for it to attack Israel and that if Iran attacks, the US-led coalition will join Israel not only in defense but also in an attack against significant targets in Iran,” according to a Hebrew statement issued by his office.

The Foreign Ministry also issued an English statement from their meeting — which was conducted in English — that was slightly more ambiguous regarding Katz’s message.

“I thanked them for their support of Israel and made it clear that the right way to deter Iran and prevent war is by announcing that if Iran attacks, they will stand with Israel not only in defense but also in striking targets in Iran,” it quoted Katz as saying.

According to the Hebrew Foreign Ministry statement, Katz also claimed to the visiting chief diplomats that Israel is ready for a hostage deal but that Hamas is likely to up its demands during today’s talks in Doha in anticipation of an Iranian attack.