Maj. Gen. Dan Harel
Photo: IDF's Spokesperson's Office
Deputy chief of staff warns attack on Israel will lead to 'painful response'
Maj. Gen. Dan Harel issues veiled message to Syria at briefing on new act ensuring reservist's rights, says reports of tensions in North unfounded. 'Anyone who attempts to attack Israel should bear in mind that the response will be harsh,' he says
Less than a day after reports claiming Syria has recruited reserve forces, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Dan Harel said on Wednesday that he sees no reason for there to be an elevated level of tension on Israel's northern border.
"The army is in a constant state of alertness. While the waves seem to have made an impact in the media, I'm not sure this is the case on the ground. I don't think that any of the sides are seeking an armed conflict," said Maj. Gen. Harel at a briefing in Tel Aviv regarding the newly approved act anchoring reservist's rights
"All that can be said is that anyone who attempts to attack Israel should bear in mind that the response will be harsh and painful."
Harel did not directly address the reports on Syria. Defense officials have said that while there was no clear-cut indication that the claims are accurate; the Syrian military has indeed held training exercises in the recent past.
Meanwhile earlier in the day a majority of 61 MKs voted in favor of the reservist's act, which regulates mandatory reserve duty - its length, limitations, and restitution.
The new bill stipulates that a reserve soldier will be called for no more than 54 days of active duty during a given three-year period; reservists serving as commanders will not serve more than 70 days in three years; and officers in the reserves will not serve more than 84 days over the same period of time.
