(Defense News) Lt. Gen. Benjamin Gantz - Israel is facing security challenges on every front as a result of the unstable times we live in. The IDF is confronted with non-state actors - Hizbullah, Hamas, Nusra Front, and Islamic State. We are faced with the extensive threat of "rocket terrorism" in the hands of those organizations, while in the shadow of the nuclear aspirations of Iran. Our enemies are operating in order to expand their stockpiles, their precision and striking power. There is a greater and more direct threat to the Israeli population. Hizbullah, together with Iran, have amassed thousands of rockets and missiles that are mobile, concealed and precise. The reality in Syria requires the IDF to stand guard, to be ready for action to defend ourselves. On a lesser level are the threats on our southern border with Sinai, Hamas' Gaza, and terrorism originating from Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]. The writer is Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.
2014-12-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive