Israeli defense minister warns of retaliation after Iran missile launch near Jordan

On July 19, 2026, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel would respond with force if attacked by Iran. The statement followed an incident involving Iranian missiles aimed at the Jordanian port of Aqaba. Jordanian armed forces reported shooting down three missiles, while a fourth landed in a desert area, resulting in no casualties or property damage. While some media reported that Israeli Iron Dome systems intercepted missile debris near Eilat, IDF sources later clarified or contested these reports, noting no direct impact. The incident marks the first use of the Iron Dome against an Iranian aerial threat since the April 7 ceasefire. Amman has formally requested explanations from Tehran regarding the attack, describing it as unprovoked. Israeli officials remain divided on the scale of the threat, with some IDF sources initially downplaying the potential for immediate retaliation.