President Shimon Peres spokeThursday at the graduation ceremony of the Israel Air Force pilots' training program, and said that Iran is "exaggerating its military ability, but Israel is well aware of the dangers it faces.
"I suggest Iran doesn’t underestimate Israel's capabilities, even if it does not make them public… Iran's captains publically threaten Israel's existence and invest a fortune in a terrorist military array. But we will know how to deal with the Iranian danger without forfeiting the desire for peace.
I wish them a future free of tyrants and hatred," Peres said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alsospoke at the ceremony: "Israel faces many challenges. There are constant attempts to undermine our borders and our very existence. The IDF and other security forces rise to the challenge and develop our defense abilities, reaching the highest we've ever known before."
The ceremony (Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
Overall, he continued, "Israel is steadily growing stronger. We are ready for any challenge. Out ability to defend ourselves is the foundation of our existence and a foundation of the future peace with our neighbors."
Speaking of the Gaza flotilla ,Netanyahu said that "Israel has the right to act against attempts to enable missile, rocket and arms smuggling into the Hamas terror enclave.
"I wish to thank the many world leaders who expressed themselves and acted against this provocation flotilla, including the US, Europe, the UN secretary general and the prime minister of Greece. Hamas is a cruel enemy who maliciously harms our people and children and holds Gilad Shalit captive against all humane standards," he said.
Next to address the ceremony was Defense Minister Ehud Barak: "We are facing serious challenges, such as Iran, Hezbollah and other radical elements. We are at the heart of a hostile environment, where the language of power and force is the only one understood.
"Israel is strong and deterrent and it is from this position of power that Israel seeks peace. It is our duty as leaders to exhaust every possibility to reignite the peace talks with our neighbors, while maintaining Israel's security interests. But that takes a partner."
Barak concluded his speech by addressing the issue of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit: "We all want to see Gilad home," he said, "but not at any price."