Gantz: Iran will pay the price in 'correct manner and time'

Gantz: Iran will pay the price in 'correct manner and time'

ELIAV BREUER

"The event is not over" MK Benny Gantz claims, discussing Iranian attack.

Leading Israeli politicians argued on Sunday over what the next step should be after Iran's overnight missile and drone attack against Israel.

Minister-without-portfolio and member of Israel's war cabinet, MK Benny Gantz, insinuated in a video statement that Israel would not respond immediately with an attack against Iran.

"Facing Iran, we will build a regional coalition and may Iran pay the price, in a manner and time that is correct for us," Gantz said. Gantz called the results a "strategic achievement" which Israel must "leverage" for its national security.

"This event is not over – the strategic alliance and alignment of regional cooperation must be strengthened, specifically now," Gantz added.

Far-right National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir called Gantz's comments"hollow western slogans by those who remain deep in the conception. In order to create deterrence in the Middle East, the boss must go nuts," Ben-Gvir wrote on X. In a video statement earlier on Sunday, Ben-Gvir said that "Israel's cannot give a fumbling response," adding that "policies of containment and proportionality passed from the world on October 7."

In a video statement of his own, on Sunday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that "this is the time for leadership that is capable of returning deterrence that has the courage to restore security to the citizens of Israel, not with slogans, but with action."

"The eyes of the entire Middle East and the entire world are on the State of Israel. If our reaction resonates throughout the Middle East for generations to come - we will win," he added.

Leader of the United Right party, MK Gideon Sa'ar, wrote on X: "The impressive air defense last night gave Israel room to maneuver and strategic flexibility. So too, the Iranian failure. It is necessary to adopt strategic patience. Israel does not need to rush in its response and disrupt the priorities it set for itself.

Now the focus needs to return to victory in Gaza: Toppling Hamas and freeing the hostages. That is the correct and wise thing to do. The time for Iran will come."