At ceremony for new Air Force pilots, Netanyahu sends message to Assad that Israel is carefully monitoring developments in Syria.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reiterated Thursday that Israel was carefully following the developments in Syria, and will do everything necessary to fend off any potential threats from the north.
Netanyahu’s comments came at a ceremony for new Air Force cadets at the Hatzerim air base in the Negev.
“Everyone sees what is happening in Syria,” he said. “The Syrian air force hits hundreds of Syrian civilians and doesn’t resist using any means. Israel is following the developments in Syria and will do everything against that – or any – threat.”
Netanyahu told the cadets that they have now become a part of “Israel’s long arm.”
“We have strengthened many muscles and tendons in that arm,” the prime minister said. “Israel’s hand is extended in peace to those who want peace, and those who threaten us should know that our long arm will strike forcefully to defend the state of Israel.”
Defense Minister Ehud Barak reiterated the prime minister’s words, commenting that many security challenges lie ahead for Israel.
Barak said that the reality of the Middle East “places security at the top of priorities, without which we will not be able to ensure the future of the state.”
He added, “The IDF, and the Air Force within it, is a protective wall that allows Israel to continue to thrive and prosper… the IDF and the IAF are the ones that will allow us to stand up to every future test, both near and far.”
The Jerusalem Post has the full article
