IDF chief: Never underestimate an enemy

Gabi Ashkenazi, on farewell tour, warns naval cadets to 'stay wary, never shut your eyes'

Ahiya Raved|Published: 02.08.11 , 19:37

IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi embarked on a farewell tour Tuesday around Israel, in light of his resignation from the army. He visited the Northern Command and also made a speech before naval officers' course graduates.

"Stay wary of the whispers in the region and never shut your eyes," Ashkenazi told the cadets. "During the Second Lebanon War we received a reminder never to underestimate any enemy, and that the seas can shift at any time."

Ashkenazi speaks before cadets (Photo: Avishag Shaar Yeshuv)

Ashkenazi also asked the officers to maintain "the Navy's spinal cord, which has led you all along". He mentioned the findings on the Navy's handling of the May 31 flotilla raid and said they proved that "you have leaned on this spinal cord and been true to the values of the IDF".

Earlier the IDF chief visited the Northern Command, accompanied by its commander, Gadi Eizenkot. "Though there is blessed peace along the border, this can change and that is your test on your guard," Ashkenazi told senior officers. "You can't have an army without good people, and there are many of those in the north."

Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz lauded Ashkenazi at the graduation ceremony, replacing Defense Minister Ehud Barak who is abroad. He began his speech by reminding those present that although Ashkenazi had only been army chief for four years, he had served his country for 40.

Steinitz thanked Ashkenazi for his service and added, "You are returning to us a better trained, better equipped, and more determined IDF." Immediately after this, the crowd erupted in applause.

Now, while the Middle East is in turmoil, Israel is "an island of democratic stability and an island that needs protection", Steinitz said.

Hagai Einav contributed to this report