The IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, told N12 the military is at full offensive and defensive readiness if fighting with Iran resumes and emphasized Israel will not wait for strikes before preparing. She said October 7 showed that passive deterrence is no longer acceptable. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran a strike would be met with a crushing response after a senior-level security meeting. Western intelligence warns Iran may try to provoke or initiate a confrontation.
IDF Says It Is Fully Prepared If Fighting With Iran Resumes — 'We Won't Wait for Missiles'
Maj. Ella Waweya, the new Arabic language spokesperson. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it is fully prepared to resume fighting with Iran if necessary, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, told N12 in a Thursday-night interview.
Speaking to Al-Arabiya about preparations for a potential confrontation with Iran, Waweya said the military maintains readiness across multiple domains, both offensive and defensive.
"The IDF is in a state of full readiness and preparedness; both offensive and defensive," Waweya said. "We do not wait for missiles to fall or for the enemy to knock on our door before getting ready."
Waweya added that the events of October 7 underscored the need to abandon strategies that rely on containment, waiting for an initial strike, or passive deterrence.
Defense Minister Israel Katz in a meeting with high-ranking IDF officials. (credit: ARIEL HARMONI/DEFENSE MINISTRY)
The remarks followed a high-level security consultation convened by Defense Minister Israel Katz and attended by Israel's senior military and defense leadership. Katz warned Iran that any attack on Israel would provoke a powerful response.
"We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow," Katz said after the meeting.
The session brought together officials responsible for offensive capabilities, air defenses, military intelligence, and civilian preparedness. Katz did not say whether the consultation was prompted by a specific warning or new intelligence.
Western intelligence assessments cited by Ynet suggest Iran may be seeking to draw Israel into a broader confrontation and could even choose to act first. Israeli officials say they are preparing for a range of scenarios.
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