Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Delivered a scathing message to Iran today (Wednesday) in which he warned that “we will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.” Netanyahu made the remarks in a recorded speech at the closing ceremony of Pilot Course (“Wing Order”) No. 181, held at the premises in the presence of President Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, and clarified: “Our policy is clear: whoever tries to harm us – “The air force is ready to act forcefully – in any range, in any arena and in any target.”
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said: “From the many dignitaries, from the dignitaries of the bereaved families, including Avraham and Dvir Shenrav from Lod, Rina’s unforgettable brother. The excited and tidy families of the course graduates, and today above all, with their heads in the clouds, the new pilots, the navigators and the navigators. I congratulate you on my behalf, and on behalf of all the citizens of Israel. You went through a very difficult course, one of the most difficult and perhaps the most difficult in the IDF, and if you passed it it means that we entrust you not only with the tools for our protection, we also entrust you with our confidence that you will do whatever it takes to protect our country and our skies. “.
“A month ago, we lost two dear people on a training flight: the flight instructor, the late Major Itai Zeidan, and the pilot, the late Corporal Lehi Ben-Bassa,” Netanyahu said, adding: “Our hearts go out to their families. The Air Force, as usual, draws every possible lesson from the crash in the northern Negev. ”
The Prime Minister noted that “the difficult event reminds us that the defense of the state always involves risk, but one thing is clear: we will not stop flying, we will not stop maintaining Israel’s security. “The IDF does this relentlessly, around the clock, including in the months of the corona. It is very possible that there are air forces in the world that have downshifted during the epidemic, but not with us. Our missions are urgent, the challenges are increasing and operational activity is expanding.”
He then referred to the Iranian threat and said that “we continue to act against Iran’s and its metastases ‘attempts to establish a military base in Syria. We will not compromise on this issue, as we will not compromise on our enemies’ attempts to develop accurate missiles in Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere. We do not take lightly the threats made against us, yet we do not shy away from them. Our policy is clear and consistent: whoever tries to harm us will be crushed. In the face of danger, the Air Force is ready to act forcefully – in any range, in any arena and in any target. There are also positive, very positive developments in the Middle East. ”
Netanyahu added that “within four months we have brought four peace and normalization agreements: with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and now also Morocco. Civil aviation is also changing its face as a result of these agreements – more flights, more flight routes, to more countries. History: Official, first and direct flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Well, in the sky there are opportunities and risks, opportunities and threats at the same time. Our goal is to reduce the risks and maximize the chances. “Our goal is to always ensure Israel’s air superiority by cultivating the qualitative advantage and strategic power of the State of Israel.”
Finally, he turned to the graduates of the course and said: “Graduates of the 181 pilot course, today you are standing in the order of the wings shoulder to shoulder, and very soon you will ascend wing to wing. In the meantime, do not forget to give a shot, we need you very healthy, very capable. We went up in the sky, guard the country and guard yourselves. “
After him, the Minister of Defense spoke Bnei Gantz, Who also referred to the nuclear threat and said that “our enemies need to know – we will not hesitate to use force to prevent harm to Israeli citizens, and we will not hesitate to prevent our enemies and especially Iran and its metastases in the region, develop capabilities that jeopardize Middle East stability. .
In his opening remarks, the Minister addressed the families of the trainees: “You who sent your loved ones, strengthened them, and pushed them – should know that they are in the hands of a country worthy of their efforts, an army that recognizes the importance of its people, and a corps that promotes and guards them.” Do not hide but fix and prevent. We also saw this in the tragic accident about a month ago, in which a reserve major was killed with Itai Zeidan and Jehu Ben-Basa in their blessing, whose condolences I would like to extend to all of our families. It is impossible to completely avoid mistakes and setbacks – but only recognition, investigation and drawing conclusions – will lead to their reduction and prevention in the future. ”
“This is true of flight accidents, and it is also true of encounter by infantrymen,” Ganz said, adding: “From every operational incident, there is also a systemic lesson, and the IDF knows how to manage this process well. Even when there is criticism, it is important to remember – IDF soldiers.” There are dozens of complex tasks facing the various fronts, especially in Judea and Samaria. Save lives, prevent terrorist attacks. “There is no disciplinary, learned and practiced body in Israel like the IDF. A body whose DNA is to strive for contact and act solely for the State of Israel and its citizens.”
Ganz went on to say, “I too have been educated for almost 40 years of service in the IDF, to be on the side that does the right thing for the country, that maintains it and its resilience. We are entering a complex period. Every decision of the state leadership has an impact on the lives of millions – health, economic, social and security. As I was educated, I will continue to act and do only what is right for Israel. I know and am proud that this is also the reason why you stand here and are ready to take off for any mission. Fly in peace, carry out your missions and return to us safely. “
He concluded by saying, “This is the second Order of the Wings in the Corona period – and I hope that the last one too and that we will soon be able to return to routine. The heart is filled with pride to see you, Israelis, immigrant children And I was educated.
These days they are also challenging in security, it takes courage of the moment and courage of perseverance. Our enemies do not rest even in the Corona period, and the Air Force is at the forefront of achieving operational goals. On the issue of perseverance, the Air Force is improving its capabilities, changing and evolving, and is in full and continuous readiness for various and varied missions. “