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Photo: Noam Moscowitz
Merkel and Netanyahu
Photo: Noam Moscowitz

Netanyahu: We will not tolerate attacks against us

Prime Minister stresses Israel's military strength is sole guarantor of its continued existence, thanks Germany's Merkel for security assistance in purchase of 4 new Saar vessels.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the role of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in helping Israel build its formidable arsenal of munitions in a tough speech devoted to the Jewish State's growing military prowess.

 

 

The leader spoke on Thursday at Israel Air Force pilots' course graduation ceremony.

 

Prime Minister Netanyahu
Prime Minister Netanyahu

 

"The State of Israel is building our defensive strength from year to year, from decade to decade, with planes, submarines, air defense systems such as Iron Dome and the Arrow and with offensive systems that are among the most advanced in the world," Netanyahu said.

 

"Today I am pleased to announce that three days ago we added an important component to our defensive force. We purchased four new Saar vessels: this is in addition to the submarines that are being built for the navy. I would like to thank German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her commitment and constant assistance to our security."

 

He further added that events unfolding in the Arab world prove the need for Israel to continue bolstering itself militarily.

 

"When one flies over the state one sees how close to us the various threats are. In our region there are endless disputes and awful, brutal violence. The fire of Islamic fanaticism is licking at our northern and southern borders. Your, and our, supreme mission is to safeguard our home, the State of Israel."

 

The premier emphasized that the country’s military strength was the sole guarantor of its continued existence.

 

"Our policy for doing so is twofold, to prevent and foil attacks as much as possible, and to respond in strength to any attack. We will not tolerate attacks against us, neither from the Gaza Strip, nor from the Golan Heights, nor from the Lebanese border or from anywhere; therefore, the IDF responded in strength and immediately to the recent attempt by the terrorist organizations to raise their heads."

 

The statement comes one day after Israel launched an air strike in southern Gaza, killing a Hamas militant, after a sniper attack on a patrol seriously wounded an Israeli soldier. It was only the second time Israel had struck Gaza since a 50-day war ended with a truce on August 26, after witnesses reported a first strike early on Saturday.

 

"We hold Hamas responsible for any violation of the quiet emanating from the Gaza Strip and will act accordingly," Netanyahu said. "Our counter terrorist actions are carried out in a wide circle occasionally far from our borders. The airforce has a decisive role in implimenting this policy on land, sea and air."

 

Netanyahu signed off with a trademark nod toward Iran's unsanctioned nuclear program which, he believes, poses the greatest threat to Israel and world peace.

 

"We are determined to prevent our enemies from acquiring deadly weapons that could endanger our security, and we are determined to do everything to prevent Iran, which has recently again called for our destruction, from attaining nuclear weapons."

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.25.14, 22:52
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