Netanyahu Warns Iran of ‘Unimaginable’ Retaliation, Signals Shift in Israeli Security Doctrine
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, declaring that any direct attack on Israel would be met with a response “they can’t even imagine.” The statement came as both the United States and Israel continue preparations for a potential military strike against Iran, amid escalating regional tensions and stalled diplomatic efforts.
“We are prepared for any scenario,” Netanyahu told graduating cadets at an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ceremony. “And one thing is certain — if the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will face a response they can’t even imagine.”
Netanyahu emphasized close coordination with the United States, stating that Israel is “operating side by side with our major ally” to counter the perceived threat from Tehran. He added that he had discussed “Israel’s position on the guiding principles for any talks with Iran” during a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The warning follows a significant build-up of US military presence in the Middle East, described as the largest deployment since 2003. The US has dispatched warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft to the region, with a second aircraft carrier ordered to Middle Eastern waters. The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently positioned approximately 700 kilometers from Iran’s coast, according to satellite imagery.
While the US and Iran have engaged in two rounds of nuclear talks in recent weeks, the White House has indicated a substantial gap remains between the two sides. President Trump reportedly expects to make a decision regarding Iran within the next 10 days.
Beyond the immediate threat from Iran, Netanyahu signaled a fundamental shift in Israeli security policy. He stated that Israel is moving away from the concept of “containing” threats and will instead proactively confront them, even beyond its borders. “If you don’t come to the jungle, the jungle comes to you,” he said.
“There is no more containment of threats. There is no more Mabam,” Netanyahu declared, referring to the Hebrew acronym for the “campaign between wars” – a military concept that guided IDF operations in Syria and Lebanon for a decade prior to October 7, 2023. Netanyahu was in office for all but 18 months of that period.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the territory. He stated that there would be no rehabilitation of Gaza until This proves fully demilitarized.
“Very soon, Hamas will face a dilemma — to give up its weapons the easy way, or to give up its weapons the hard way,” Netanyahu said. He noted that demilitarized zones or security zones inside enemy territory “are a vital need in order to minimize the danger of a ground invasion,” pointing to the continued presence of IDF troops in strategic locations within Syria and Lebanon.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s firm stance, stating that Israel will act against “every threat, near and far.” He cited recent Israeli actions against Houthi leaders in Yemen and Iranian targets in Operation Rising Lion as examples of Israel’s willingness to take decisive action.
“We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel in the future either, and we will act against every threat, near and far,” Katz declared. He added, “I say from here to all our enemies: Do not test us and do not challenge our determination, because you will find a united people and a strong and victorious army facing you.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir further emphasized Israel’s readiness, stating that the military’s “eyes are open in every direction, and our finger is more poised on the trigger than ever in the face of any change in the operational reality.”
“Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” Zamir added.
