Barak: War – only as a last resort

Defense minister continues to pursue moderate tone on possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities; says government must exhaust all other options before launching a military campaign

Neri Brenner|Published: 09.10.12 , 19:47

Defense Minister Ehud Barak once again took a more moderate approach over the possibility of a military strike against Iran.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the upcoming New Year at the Tel Nof base Barak told the soldiers: "The political echelons see it as their responsibility to ensure that if wars can be postponed we will do so, we will make sure that if we go to war it is after all other options have been exhausted."

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Barak added: "We do not live in Western Europe or North America, this is a tough environment…and hostile forces surround us."

"The State of Israel in general and the air force in particular…need and must be prepared at all times; sharp, determined and accurate so that if we are forced to act, we will do so successfully. We, me included, as well as senior commanders and Israeli civilians put out trust in you knowing that if the need to act arises, you will act and obtain victory."

Barak's statements follow additional moderate statements which he has recently made vis-à-vis Iran.

Last Thursday Barak commended the US preparedness in the Persian Gulf saying: "We cannot ignore the Americans' impressive readiness for dealing with the Iranian challenge," noting that the US is deploying forces in the Persian Gulf, a measure of "utmost importance."

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz also attended the ceremony during which he said: "We will not hesitate to act and do the work we are required to do, be it Gaza…or any other field."