Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated on Friday that Israel expects support from its allies to retaliate against Iran if it were to launch an attack on Israel. This comment was criticized as “inappropriate” by France’s visiting top diplomat, Stéphane Séjourné. The statement follows recent high-profile incidents involving Iran and its allies, including an attack in Tehran that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Israel has not acknowledged.
Séjourné, who visited Israel with Britain’s David Lammy, emphasized that discussing potential military responses was premature while diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation are ongoing. Séjourné stressed that efforts are focused on averting Iranian retaliation.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed that the United States is prepared to defend Israel and monitor any threats from Iran and its proxies. Austin assured that the U.S. is well-positioned to protect both Israeli and American interests in the region.
Lammy and Séjourné’s visit coincided with ongoing negotiations in Doha aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as discussions on hostage releases. The prolonged conflict has heightened regional tensions and led to increased violence, including recent attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, which Lammy condemned as “abhorrent” and Séjourné labeled as potentially jeopardizing the peace process.