Barak warns Iran that Israel will fight

JERUSALEM, July 11 (UPI) -- Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned the Iraqi government Thursday that Israel is willing to use military force if necessary.

Barak's statement in a speech at the Labor Party headquarters followed Iran's ballistic missile tests, Ynetnews.com reported. Iranian leaders have said the country has missiles that can hit Israel.

"This is a challenge not only for Israel but for the entire world," Barak said. "The focus now is sanctions and diplomatic action. Israel is the strongest country in the region, and it has proven in the past that it is not afraid to act when its vital interests are threatened."

Barak said, on the other hand, there is a possibility that Israel could reach agreements with the Palestinians and Syrians. He said the country has a "moral responsibility" to take advantage of any opening.

Barak served as prime minister from 1999 to 2001. He regained the leadership of the Labor Party in 2007 and became defense minister in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's cabinet.