"Israel is calm and sure of itself, the citizens of Israel know that we are prepared for every possible scenario," he told ministers at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, in remarks broadcast on public radio.
Obama had promised to act against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime over its alleged use of chemical weapons, but yesterday announced that he would first seek endorsement from Congress, effectively pushing any military action back until at least September 9, when US lawmakers return from their summer recess.
"Our enemies have very good reasons not to try our strength, not to test our power," he said. "They know why."
Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres have both insisted that Israel is not involved in the bloody conflict in Syria, in which over 100,000 people have been killed, but will respond if attacked.