Israel has the ability to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, but the new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must carefully consider the issue before giving the order, Outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, JPost reports.

Israel has the capability to act in Iran. They have readiness, development capabilities and long-term plans, they need to prepare for such an opportunity, and will also need to consider it very carefully before they act, he said.

Such preparations are believed to cost more than 7 billion shekels.

Earlier, Likud deputy Tzachi Hanegbi said that new Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is likely to order a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities unless the U.S. makes a nuclear deal and takes action against Tehran.

According to the outgoing defense minister, the option of striking Iran "has to be prepared, and it should also be considered very carefully before implementation."

According to Gantz, the rivalry between Israel and Iran is on all levels, from technology, academia, and space to arms transfers to terrorist organizations.

Gantz predicts that Iranian hostility will gain momentum as a result of the relationship with Russia and the ongoing struggle between world powers. And this will have an impact on the entire region.