Gantz: Israel upgrading plans for Iranian strike

Defence minister says targets are ready if Tehran shows signs of nuclear escalation

Israel’s defence minister said his country is upgrading contingency plans to strike Iranian targets if Tehran shows signs of nuclear escalation, the latest sign of rising tensions between the two foes. In an interview with Fox

News on Thursday, Benny Gantz was asked about the ongoing uranium enrichment and whether Israel was completing preparations to strike Iranian targets if needed.

“We have them [plans] in our hands of course but we will continue constantly improving them,” Gantz said. “The Iranian nuclear escalation must be stalled. If the world stops them before, it’s very much good. But if not, we must stand independently and we must defend ourselves by ourselves.”

Gantz also showed a map of Lebanon that he said includes ground forces, missiles and launching sites set up by Hezbollah, a proxy for Iran.

“This is a target map. Each one of them has been checked legally, operationally, intelligence-wise and we are ready to fight,” Gantz said.

Previously, Israel’s military chief of staff, Lt Gen. Aviv Kohavi, warned that in future conflicts, Israel would use heavy force in residential areas where Hebollah rockets are stored and launched.

The Iranian nuclear escalation must be stalled. If the world stops them before, it’s very much good. But if not, we must stand independently.”

Benny Gantz | Israel’s Defence Minister

His comments came as US President Joe Biden considers rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal, with some changes to toughen curbs on Tehran’s activities.

Zarif adds to hopes of informal nuclear talks

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif yesterday said that Iran will soon present a “constructive” plan of action, after European sources said Tehran gave positive signs about opening informal talks about its nuclear programme.

“As Iran’s FM [foreign minister] & chief nuclear negotiator, I will shortly present our constructive concrete plan of action — through proper diplomatic channels,” Zarif said on Twitter.