ISRAELI Defence Minister Benny Gantz hinted at responsibility for an attack on an Iranian ship in the Red Sea today, declaring that “Israel must continue to defend itself.”

Israel has refused to comment officially on the attack on the MV Saviz, which has been anchored for years off the coast of Yemen. But it took place as talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal – which Israel has always opposed – got underway in Vienna.

When asked about the attack, Mr Gantz told journalists that “any place we find an operational challenge and necessity, we will continue to act.”