IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot discussed on Sunday what he believed to be Israel’s upcoming war with Lebanon and terrorist organizations supported by that republic.
The lieutenant general was speaking at the change of command ceremony in Safed for the GOC northern command. Maj. Gen. Yoel Strick took over from Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, who is being promoted to the position of Eisenkot’s deputy.
Eisenkot said in his remarks, “Regarding a future war, the writing is on the wall: The state of Lebanon and terrorist organizations that operate with their support.” Eisenkot added, “We are working to keep advanced weaponry from Hezbollah, and we will continue to do so in the future.”
“A continued quiet has reigned for more than decade on the country’s borders,” the chief of staff explained. “The quiet security situation is a joint interest of Israel and Lebanon…Hezbollah continues working to get more precise deadly weaponry to harm the Israeli home front, in violation of the UN resolution .“
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Eisenkot changes Strick's unit tag to Northern Command (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
(צילום: אביהו שפירא)
Kochavi said, “We have a lot of work ahead of us. We must intensify the planning and filling of gaps for the changing reality. Not far from here, across the border, the Middle East is boiling with brutality and violence. I am proud to lead a command that with one hand thwarts enemy units, and with the other, brings wounded for treatment in Israel.”
His replacement spoke to his intentions in his new position, saying, “We will operate to strengthen deterrence and preventing war, but if required, we will act with determination and strength.
(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)