Israel's Netanyahu threatens stronger retaliation if Iran strikes again

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will respond with overwhelming force if Iran launches another attack on Israeli territory, saying any future retaliation would be significantly stronger than previous responses.

Speaking at a conference in the southern city of Dimona, as Iran carried out attacks against US allies across the Middle East, including neighboring Jordan, Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any scenario, The Times of Israel reports.

"We are prepared for every scenario," he said.

Addressing Iran's leadership directly, Netanyahu issued a stark warning.

"I have one message for Iran's leaders: Do not count on there being calm if you attack us. Do not expect a repeat of what happened before, because there will be no repeat. The previous response was powerful enough, but any further attempt to harm us will be met with a different response — far more powerful."

The remarks come after Israel struck Iranian petrochemical facilities in southwestern Iran on June 8, in response to Iranian missile attacks on Israeli territory.

Netanyahu said Israel would continue to respond decisively to any threats against the country.

"The days when someone can attack us without paying a heavy price are over," he said. "We proved that in confronting Iran's axis of evil, and we will continue to act decisively against anyone who harms us. That is how we have acted, and that is how we will continue to act."

By Vafa Guliyeva