Israeli leaders warn Iran after missile launched toward Aqaba

Israel's defence minister said Sunday that Israel would respond powerfully to any attack by Iran, after Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted an Iranian missile launched toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba.

Israel Katz made the comments during a visit to a rescue service facility. He said that if Iran fired missiles at Israel, Israel would attack with full force. He also said Israel was prepared for both defensive and offensive action against Tehran if the United States changed its policy.

Aqaba lies across the border from the Israeli city of Eilat.

Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir later also said Israel would retaliate with determination if Iran attacked Israel. In a statement issued by the military, Zamir told commanders in the occupied West Bank that Israel had monitored the launch toward the Aqaba area and that its Aerial Defence Array remained on alert to protect Israeli civilians.

Zamir said Israel was prepared to immediately resume combat and would act with great determination against anyone who harmed it.