(Times of Israel) Mitch Ginsburg - IDF Military Intelligence head Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi discussed Israel's central security challenges at the Institute for National Security Studies on Wednesday. He said Israel faces 170,000 rockets and missiles, and that, "for the first time in many decades, the enemy has the ability to drop considerable amounts of munitions on the cities of Israel." He also noted the "near 360 degree" presence of Jihadist elements along Israel's borders. Salafist elements cover nearly half of Syria and had a presence in nearly every country in the region. At the same time there were some positive developments, including the decline in the popularity and legitimacy of Hizbullah and Bashar Assad, alongside "the erosion" in the Muslim Brotherhood's popularity. He added that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf states all share priorities that "are in confluence" with Israel's most pressing interests.
2014-01-30 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive