Israeli foreign minister warns Iran against attack, defends West Bank settlements
In a televised interview, Israel's top diplomat cautioned Tehran against launching strikes on Israel, saying any such attack would draw a severe response. He also reiterated Israel's determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Regarding the West Bank, he defended settlement expansion as a right while insisting that law enforcement acts against settler violence.
Sa'ar's interview comes amid renewed US-Iranian hostilities, with Washington having launched military strikes on Iranian targets following attempted attacks on shipping. The Israeli foreign minister framed his country's position as defensive, stating Israel has no current plans to join the wider conflict while reserving the right to respond forcefully to any direct Iranian aggression. His comments on nuclear weapons reflect long-standing Israeli policy of preventing Iranian atomic capabilities.
On the West Bank, Sa'ar addressed the E1 settlement expansion project, which has drawn European criticism. He framed settlement as a national right while simultaneously addressing recent settler violence, which Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has separately condemned as "criminal acts." Sa'ar insisted Israeli law enforcement actively pursues violent offenders, though he suggested some incidents originate from Palestinian attacks on Israelis.
This dual-front messaging could shape regional perceptions and international responses. Iran may interpret the warnings as escalation rhetoric, potentially influencing its military calculations amid ongoing US strikes. Settlement defense may further strain Israel-EU relations and complicate Palestinian diplomatic efforts. Communities in the West Bank could experience heightened tension, while Israeli domestic audiences may see the government as balancing security concerns with legal accountability. The interview signals Israel's attempt to project strength while maintaining diplomatic channels.