Anyone attacking Israel will be dealt 'strongest blow': Netanyahu

As the crisis between Iran and the U.S. rapidly unfurls, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is warning that, quote, "Whoever tries to attack us will be dealt the strongest blow."

His comments came in the wake of the Iranian missile strikes on Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. coalition troops.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"It's very important to say, as I do now again, that Israel stands completely beside the United States."

Israel is the United States' closest Mideast ally, and Iran's chief regional rival.

Netanyahu may fear Israel could be targeted by Iran or Tehran's proxies if the march to war continues.

Many Israelis recall vividly the 1991 Gulf War, when Israel found itself bombarded by Iraqi scud missiles as an American-led coalition tried to force Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait.

Israel has for decades endured intermittent rocket attacks from Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran.