Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jan 20: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday issued a strong warning to Iran, saying Israel would respond with an “unprecedented” force if Tehran launches any attack against the Jewish state, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

Addressing the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Netanyahu said, “If it makes a mistake and attacks us, we will act with a force it has not yet known.” He added that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Iran, remarking that “no one can predict what the future holds for Iran, but it will not return to what it once was.”

The warning comes amid rising regional tensions and reports that the United States is repositioning the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group towards the Middle East.
Differences with US over Gaza governance

During his address, Netanyahu also spoke about differences with the United States over post-war governance in Gaza. He referred to US-led proposals that reportedly include Turkish and Qatari officials as part of a “Board of Peace” chaired by US President Donald Trump.

“We have a certain disagreement with our friends in the United States over the composition of the advisory board that will accompany the processes in Gaza,” Netanyahu said, stressing that neither Turkish nor Qatari soldiers would be allowed to operate in Gaza.

Israel has consistently opposed Turkish involvement in Gaza and maintains cautious relations with Qatar, despite both nations playing key mediation roles between Israel and Hamas.
US military build-up amid rising tensions

As Netanyahu’s warning to Iran coincides with unrest in Tehran, the United States appears to be reinforcing its military posture in the region. Reports indicate that 12 F-15 fighter jets have arrived in Jordan over the past 24 hours, raising speculation of possible US intervention if tensions escalate.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by the destroyers USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, has reached the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia, and is expected to enter the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area within the next five to seven days.

Additional fighter aircraft are reportedly en route, while cargo planes have landed at the US base in Diego Garcia, carrying aerial refuelling aircraft and Patriot missile batteries to protect American bases and assets in the Gulf.

Military analysts believe the build-up, expected to be completed within five to six days, would enable the US to carry out large-scale operations in the region, rather than being restricted to limited strikes.