Impressed. Netanyahu
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
PM: No winds of war in north
Prime minister, Defense Minister Barak briefed on latest Air Force developments during tour of Hatzerim Airbase. Says recent reports of brewing tensions with Lebanon, 'nothing but a media storm'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that contrary to recent media reports, no unusual tension or activity has been noted on the Israel-Lebanon border.
Visiting the Hatzerim Air Force Base, near Beersheba, Netanyahu said that "there are no winds of war (on the northern border). This is a media storm, nothing else."
Monday saw the prime minister warn that the Lebanese government would be held responsible to any Hezbollah strike emanating from its territory.
Vigilance
Speaking before Gush Katif evacuees in south, Netanyahu addresses threats from north, saying 'If Hezbollah entered gov't as official body, let it be clear Lebanese gov't to be held responsible for any attack on Israel from its territory'
Accompanied but IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, Netanyahu said he was grateful "for the opportunity to take a closer look at Air Force developments as a key component to Israel's security.
"I was deeply impressed by the commanding officers, the pilots and the cadets. Every airborne pilot is the result of the efforts of dozens of civilians and soldiers' help. I was also was impressed by the IAF's commitment to the mission of defending Israel. The Air Force carries a huge significance in that respect," he said.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who toured the base alongside the prime minister, added that "Israel faces unusual security challenges and quite a few diplomatic opportunities.
"Our ability to look ahead into the diplomatic horizon is based, first and foremost, on the might of the Israeli Defense Forces." The IAF and the IDF as a whole, he added, "Is striving to create real-time readiness – operational, mental and technological – so we can deal with all challenges."
