'The enemy is not standing before us'
New IDF chief discusses upcoming pullout for first time since officially assuming new position; pledges to implement plan with sensitivity and determination
“Israel stands before a national task of supreme importance, the task of disengagement,” he said at an event in Tel Aviv honoring injured infantry soldiers.
“The role of executing it has been placed on the IDF. We have not become accustomed to such missions, we were not built for this, however we will implement it with sensitivity and determination through great understanding and responsibility," he said
He said the military has a responsibility to complete the task and a responsibility to Israel and its democratic values.
“The enemy is not standing before us, our brothers in arms are,” he said. "We are not looking for a struggle, but rather understanding and cooperation. We do not want to win the mission, we want to implement it understanding the difficulty, understanding the crisis our brothers the evacuees are facing, as well as the IDF evacuators.”
'Willingness for painful sacrifice'
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said the pullout must be implemented to ensure peace and security for the future.
“Nowadays we are a part of history, standing before a historic move, a difficult move,” he said. “I am confident the police and IDF will know how to carry out it out in such a way to unite us after the disengagement plan. We will know that we did it in order to bring about peace and security for Israel's future.”
Mofaz promised to carry out the plan with sensitivity and respect for the Gaza Strip and West Bank settlers.
“I know the move will not be easy and neither will the challenges Israel faces in the future," he said. “It will take time, it will require determination, perseverance, and willingness for painful sacrifice.”
