imra@netvision.net.il
“We must not forget one basic thing, the state of Israel is the only state in the world whose extermination is called for. This is not something that can be ignored” Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff at 12th Herzliya Conference: “Our region is the fastest being armed and we are the target” The Middle East's leading security & policy gathering continues through Feb 2nd at the IDC Herzliya Campus “Our region is the fastest being armed and we are the target” said Lt. General Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff at the 12th annual Herzliya Conference as he described the military situation today in the Middle East. “The threats that were then are still relevant today. In addition to all the traditional threats there are new threats”. One of the main examples is the munitions power “every single point in the state of Israel is under threat of missiles” says Lt. Gen. Gantz as he describes the challenges we face and the steps we must take. He then regarded the most important issue as of now which is the Iranian situation. “There is no doubt that Iran is striving for a bomb” Gantz said simply. “If it does so within a year or a bit more it will be able to allocate resources and we will see it happening. Iran is a problem of the whole world, of this region and of Israel”. Gantz explained that “It [Iran] wants to establish itself as a strong regime and it will try to use it in order to fortify its position”. “We must not forget one basic thing, the state of Israel is the only state in the world whose extermination is called for. This is not something that can be ignored” Gantz said firmly “I believe that unity and partnership is very important when we seek to contend with threats from without” Gantz explained the situation that “not enough people serve in the army and not enough respect those who do. The IDF represents all the various groups that make up the Israeli society. It is a point of encounter for the secular and religious, for men and women, for Jews and non Jews. We do not fight, we find a way to respect each other”. Regarding the security budget Gantz said “we are at a dangerous situation” and this is “in addition to all the challenges that I have noted and I know that there are others”. Gantz explained that “suitable resources must be made available to deal with the challenges of the future and those we foresee developing [but] I don’t think it needs to be done with an emergency withdrawal of funds”. He concluded by saying “I am aware of the challenges of the future. We must not get caught up in any kind of strategic delusion… victory will not only be obtained by defensive capabilities but by offensive capabilities” All of the proceedings are broadcast live with a VOD option on the Conference's website: www.herzliyaconference.org/eng. Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerzliyaConference Twitter: http://twitter.com/HerzliyaConf YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HerzliyaConference The Herzliya Conference is the flagship of the Institute of Policy and Strategy (IPS) at the Lauder School of Government of IDC Herzliya. The Herzliya Conference addresses Israel’s national agenda by encouraging public debate and influencing the country’s public policy planning. This is achieved through convening Israeli and international elite policy makers, conducting cutting edge research, fostering a global network of contacts in a public forum by attracting the best and the brightest to take part in the conference and its discussions. For further information contact: Jeremy Ruden Media Services – 052-407-0775 – Jeremy@jeremyruden.com -------------------------------------------- IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis Website: www.imra.org.il
No comments:
Post a Comment