Ashkenazi and Mullen. Numerous telephone calls
Photo: AFP
Ahmadinejad. Biggest threat to world peace'
Photo: AP
Ashkenazi: We shall triumph over those who seek our demise
IDF chief of staff speaks in New York before army donors, stressing significance of Iranian threat and pointing to military's high state of alert
WASHINGTON - IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi declared
Tuesday in New York that Israel will triumph over those who seek to destroy it with the courage of its soldiers and their moral compass.
Speaking at the annual dinner hosted by the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces in the US, held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Ashkenazi said that "all options should remain on the table," referring to the Iranian threat. He noted that the IDF was developing advanced weapons and technology and increasing the number of military exercises while raising reserve troops' readiness for war.
The chief of staff warned the hundreds of guests, the largest donors for the IDF, that Iran remained the biggest threat to world peace by achieving nuclear capabilities and supporting terror organizations.
"Therefore the international community must stop the Iranian nuclear program for its own sake," he said.
On Tuesday morning Ashkenazi completed a short visit in Washington during which he met senior officials at the White House, Senate and Pentagon including a meeting with National Security Advisor Jim Jones.
He also met US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen.
The two have met 10 times over the last two and a half years and held numerous telephone conversations. Their meeting focused on the Iranian threat, but its content was not divulged.
During his speech in New York Ashkenazi pointed to the close collaboration between the IDF and the US military and noted the Juniper Cobra 10 drill which tested missile defense system cooperation. He stated that such steps reflect significant progress in the dialogue between the two countries and both militaries' readiness.
Reuters contributed to this report
