(Israel Defense Forces) IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz declared Tuesday during the official state Remembrance Day ceremony at the Western Wall: "As the commander of the IDF, in the name of my fellow commanders at the various posts and brigades, IAF squadrons and navy vessels, and in the name of all IDF soldiers, I stand before you tonight, looking into your eyes, embracing you and promising to fulfill the last eternal will of the fallen - to defend you, to defend us all, and to defend our home in Israel." "The IDF is a defensive shield composed of thousands of male and female soldiers and commanders in both regular and reserve service....Shoulder to shoulder, they carry out every mission. As we are gathered here today, they are out in the field - united over the mission and defending us." "After the fog of the revolutions began to settle, it seems the Middle East is different than what we became familiar with in recent decades. Instead of previously accepted strategies, we are facing a new series of significant challenges. In this new dubious reality, we witness continuous attempts by our enemies both far and near to harm everything we've built. The State of Israel, since its inception, has not and will not accept a threat against its civilians."
2012-04-25 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive