JERUSALEM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari on Saturday warned Iran that it "will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further."

Hagari made the remarks in a statement following reports that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy had seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship earlier in the day.

Without mentioning the incident, Hagari stressed in the video statement that Israel is "on high alert," saying, "We have increased readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression."

"The Israel Defense Forces is prepared for all scenarios and will take the necessary steps -- together with our allies -- to protect the people of Israel," he added.

Iran's official news agency IRNA reported the seizure of the Israeli-linked container ship, MSC Aries, near the Strait of Hormuz. It comes 12 days after Israel killed seven Iranians, including two IRGC commanders, in a missile strike on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Syria.

Iranian authorities have pledged to retaliate against Israel for the attack, raising concerns about potential escalations in the Middle East region. Enditem

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