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Olmert: IDF strength will bring peace
Prime minister gives speech at naval graduation ceremony in Haifa, tells new officers 'only a strong and stable Israel can achieve security and peace'
Sharon Roffe-Ofir
Developing the IDF’s strength is what will keep the danger of war at a distance and bring peace, said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday
night.
In a speech at a ceremony celebrating the graduation of 38 naval officers, Olmert said, “One year since the Second Lebanon War broke
out – and the ceremony being held tonight is a show of strength and power.”
Naval officers rejoice (Photo: Elad Gershgoren)
The prime minister arrived at the ceremony accompanied by Defense Minister Ehud Barak,
IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, and Navy Chief David Ben Ba’ashat.
Addressing the graduating officers, Olmert said, “There were days when terror cells committed murderous attacks through the sea. Thanks to you, those days are gone, never to return.”
“Because of warriors like you, the State of Israel will
approach every negotiation from a position of strength, because only a strong and stable Israel can achieve security and peace,” he said.
Barak agreed with the prime minister, and speaking at the ceremony said, “The IDF’s strength is the guarantee of our rule and fate, it is what will decide in a war if one is forced on us, and it is what will bring peace.”
Ashkenazi mentioned last summer’s war in his speech.
“We are marking a year since the Second Lebanon War. The war took a heavy toll, we lost many of our sons and daughters. The fallen remind us to continue defending Israel, while implementing the lessons of the last war. It is a privilege to defend our young, special country,” he said.
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