|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/updates/09/10/2602.htm
IDF Chief: We Won't Rely on Others for Our Security
[Israel Defense Forces] IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi said in Berlin on Monday: I, Gabi Ashkenazi, the son of Josef Ashkenazi, may he rest in peace, a Holocaust survivor from Bulgaria, am here today as the commander of the Jewish defense force - the Israel Defense Forces, and proudly carry the flag of the State of Israel - the state of the Jewish nation. Our obligation [is] to always remember and never forget the worst atrocities in the history of mankind,...to never take the threats of those who would harm us lightly,...to ensure our security ourselves, and never let anyone else control the future of Israel. Even today, leaders of states publicly declare their desire to destroy the State of Israel - they reject the sovereign and national right of the Jewish nation to exist. Our legitimate struggle against the terrorist organizations that disrupt the daily routine of our citizens has been used as an excuse by anti-Semitic advocates, Holocaust deniers and other hostile sources. Their attacks give legitimacy to the atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces, the shield of the Jewish nation, is not an army that advocates war - rather it is an army of defense. We do not look for battle, but nonetheless, if war is forced upon us we will do everything necessary to enable the citizens of Israel to live in their homes securely.