The statements are intended as a final effort to make Iran turn back from its present inclinations and to prepare world public opinion for an attack if that is necessary. Contrary to the fluff in the article, the IDF is ready at any given moment to make an attack, in the past, at present, in the future. And the Arabs know this very well.
Yes they know it, and most of them are not suicidal. You know many in the region would really rather Iran and the extremist groups just be quiet before they provoke an attack someday that results in mass casualties.
There is no doubt in my mind that if Israel gets any first strike, retalliation will be harsh, and you have to know the Arabs know this as well.