Netanyahu discusses national security threats
Photo: Yaron Brener
Netanyahu: Infiltrators a national threat
Prime minister discusses various threats to national security, claims infiltrator problem will be solved, but not in 'one stroke'; calls on foreign powers to halt Iranian nuclear program
Speaking at the annual conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
addressed issues at the top if the Israeli
agenda with regards to national security threats.
Among the issues he discussed: The Iranian nuclear program, the missile threat and the threat of foreign infiltrators.
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"It is not going to happen in one stroke but we can expel (them) and we will," Netanyahu said, commenting on the illegal migrant worker problem. "My policy on the matter of the illegal foreign workers is clear: First stop their entry through the fence while at the same time expel all infiltrators from Israel."
Migrants in Tel Aviv (Photo: Ofer Amram)
Netanyahu added: "We'll start by ejecting the infiltrators from South Sudan with the court's approval and then move on to other groups. It is important to understand that international law makes eviction very difficult."
The prime minister also addressed the recent violence exhibited towards the infiltrators and asylum seekers, which reached a boiling point last week.
He called for "restraint and showing responsibility. We are a moral people, we reject violence and we reject incitement. We respect human rights; even those who don't have a right to be here have rights. We will evict them legally and in a responsible manner."
During his speech the prime minister enumerated the security threats Israel is facing. "The nuclear (threat), the missiles, the cyber (threat) and the massive weapons reservoirs that are piling up in our region."
Netanyahu at INSS meet (Photo: Yaron Brener)
Addressing the recent talks between the foreign powers and Iran, Netanyahu said that the true test was "halting the uranium enrichment program, removing all enriched material and dismantling the facility at Qom.
He called on foreign powers to demand that Iran fulfill these requirements and added that combined with sanctions, "this is the way to stop Iran's nuclear program."
Netanyahu reiterated his call to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to sit at the negotiating table. "I want to speak about peace today," said Netanyahu, "sadly our nation's strong and natural will to extend the hand of peace is not always met by the governments in our region."
Multitude of threats
He called on Abbas "not to miss out on the opportunity of extending a hand to peace."
The PM also commented on the Turkish decision to indict former senior IDF officials for the killing of nine activists on the Mavi Marmara.
"I would like to say as clearly as possible that the State of Israel will stand by you wherever you are and in every situation," he noted. "You watched over us, we will watch over you. It's an important rule."
Speaking at the beginning of the conference, Major General (res.) Amos Yadlin said that Israel was facing many potential threats. "Looking to the future, the State of Israel is dealing with significant challenges to its national security.
"The Iranian threat is reaching its resolution point – do we accept a bomb or head towards bombardment, both are problematic and dangerous alternatives."
Earlier Tuesday the Knesset Ministerial Committee on Legislation approved the "combating the Iranian nuclear program" bill. The purpose of the bill, which is being promoted by the Prime Minister's Office, is to limit Israeli investment in corporations that have "major business connections" with Iran.
A memorandum stated that "For over three decades Iran is threatening world peace in general and, more specifically, the destruction of the Jewish State."
It went on to claim "Iran which is aspiring to acquire nuclear weapons and supports a wide network of worldwide terror groups is a danger to global order and security. We cannot accept that regional and global reality."
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