In an interview with Israel’s Reshet Bet Radio Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday, denied reports that Israel received a warning message from the United States, with the latter receiving the warning from Saudi Arabia. The reports stated Israeli fighter planes entering its airspace would be shot down if Israel tries to launch a military strike against Iran.

Barak stated that there was no such message of warning from the United States. Barak added that much of the speculation in the media regarding an Israeli attack against Iran is nonsense, explaining reports that he and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will make a decision to launch an attack and then it will take place, without prior knowledge of members of the cabinet are baseless. Barak stated any decision to launch an attack against Iran will first be presented for a vote to cabinet members. The defense minister added he does not feel he is compelled to respond to the reports other than he never received such a message.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)