JERUSALEM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel is facing "very challenging days," and issued a stark threat to Iran, as regional tensions mount following a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.
Speaking in parliament, Netanyahu said Israel remains on high alert and prepared for any scenario.
He stressed the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance, adding that the military is capable of fighting on multiple fronts, despite over two years of conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen, as well as a "12-day war" with Iran last summer.
"Israel has never been stronger," Netanyahu said, adding the alliance with the United States has "never been closer."
He also delivered a direct warning to Tehran: "if they make the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with a force they cannot even imagine."
Netanyahu called for national unity in the face of what he described as potentially challenging days ahead.
His warning comes as the United States is strengthening its regional presence by sending additional fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and support assets. U.S. officials have said that all options remain on the table should diplomacy fail to resolve disputes over Iran's nuclear and missile programs, while Iran has warned it would retaliate against U.S. and Israeli targets if attacked. ■
