Barak says 'price of inexperience' paid in Lebanon war
In interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, defense minister addresses political, diplomatic and military challenges, calls on West to impose heavy sanctions on Iran
"Two years ago, we saw the price paid for inexperience at the top, and we have a good sense of logic to refrain from this in the future," Barak said in an interview published Thursday with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
"The country needs unity, the challenges are huge, both on the security and diplomatic levels. We are facing more opportunities and threats," he said, adding that "in case comes up against us, we are readying the army to fight until we reach a clear victory."
Asked about UNIFIL forces in the Lebanon and the explosive situation on Israel's northern borders, Barak said, "The Blue Helmets have a somewhat stabilizing influence and they are demonstrating the commitment of the participating countries to help a country in need.
"However, (Security Council) Resolution 1701 is not working and is regularly violated by Hizbullah, Syria and Iran. Ever since the war ended, the Shiite movement has tripled the number of its rockets.
"The soldiers and commanders in the field are trying to do the best they can, but Hizbullah activists are moving around in civil clothes and digging bunkers between the houses. UNIFIL forces must be more determined to act and to rely on the information they most certainly possess."
'Iranian missiles could reach European countries'
The defense minister went on to call on the international community to tighten its pressure on Iran."Tehran's message proves that the regime is determined to come up against the entire world, deceiving and stalling. Their goal is to obtain a nuclear weapon, and believing otherwise is an illusion. An atomic Iran will threaten global peace.
"It's time to react, with sanctions rather than with talks. We must boost and speed up the economic and financial sanctions. These efforts must include Russia, China and India. In any event, we must leave all options on the table."
Responding to remarks voiced recently by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, that an Israeli strike in Iran would be a disaster, Barak said that "now there is still time because the sanctions are efficient, but I say this once again, much firmly: The world and Israel must leave all options open. The disaster will be an Iran with nuclear weapons…
"The missile program efforts point to a much wider range than Israel. In the coming years, they will be able to reach all those taking part in the nuclear negotiations, excluding the United States."
Barak was asked of his opinion in regards to the ongoing economic cooperation between international companies continuing to do business with Iran.
"With the globalization, it's difficult for governments to impose decisions on private companies. I know Fiat plans to start manufacturing cars in Iran. This is wrong. It is also in the interest of the private companies that global order will be stable and that international economy will be strong."
As for the truce with Hamas, Barak said that "Hamas asked for the ceasefire under pressure of the boycott and the operations against the Qassam launchers. We are not negotiating with Hamas, apart from the talks for the release of the kidnapped soldier.
"We won't negotiate with Hamas as long as it fails to accept the Quartet demands: Recognizing Israel and past agreements and renouncing violence. In other words, as long as Hamas remains Hamas."
You have been accused of not believing in negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and of not bolstering him and removing roadblocks in a sufficient manner, the interviewer told him.
"As prime minister, I was the Israeli leader who walked the greatest distance in his offers to the Palestinians," Barak said. "I removed all the forces from the West Bank, and in return we got a wave of terror attacks in our cities. It is too early to hand over the security control of the area to the PA forces. Hamas cannot take over the West Bank as it did in Gaza because our soldiers are still there."
