Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant spoke this evening at the central event marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War. In his speech, Defense Minister Gallant addressed the recent developments on the Gaza border: "This evening, it is important that we remind the terrorist elements in Gaza of the true power dynamics between the IDF and Hamas and its partners."
The Defense Minister began his speech by describing a heroic operation, carried out by Shayetet 13 during the war in the Port Said harbor in Egypt. "It was almost a suicide mission. The chances of returning from it were low. Through extraordinary bravery and against all odds, the fighters succeeded in reaching their objectives and sinking four enemy ships in a daring commando operation."
"In the spirit of the heritage of Yom Kippur warriors, we learned about determination and commitment to the mission, we learned about the strength of the individual, but even more so about the strength of the warrior team. We learned about the camaraderie of the fighters, which turns their fingers into fists of steel.
"The Yom Kippur War marked the end of an era of conventional wars from 1948 to 1973, and as a result of the IDF's unprecedented success in its wars, some of our enemies turned to the path of peace – first Egypt, and later Jordan. This is, of course, the preferred alternative for us, but unfortunately, some of our enemies have not yet fully grasped that peace is preferable to war."
Tonight it is important that we remind the terrorist elements in Gaza of the relationship of forces
"As a result, over the past fifty years, warfare has shifted its focus – from fighting against regular armies to combatting terrorist organizations and militant elements located along our borders, in the North, South, Judea, and Samaria. For example, in recent days, the situation in the Gaza Strip has escalated. This evening, it is important to remind the terrorist entities in Gaza of the true balance of power between the IDF and Hamas and its associates."
"We do not desire an escalation, and we are not seeking war. However, if we reach a situation where we must act, Operation "Magen v'Chetz" will be a reminder to all terrorist elements regarding the capabilities of the security apparatus. If Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers are harmed, we will not hesitate to use the full force at our disposal to ensure the security of our citizens and restore calm to the region."
The Minister also addressed the Iranian threat: "Above all the challenges we face on our borders, a new and dangerous threat is emerging from the east. 1,500 kilometers east of the State of Israel, Iran is developing nuclear military capabilities and weaponry that could enable the delivery of a nuclear bomb towards Israel. This is the challenge that stands at the top of the priorities of the security establishment. We are working determinedly to ensure it does not succeed."
Gallant: "The agreement with Saudi Arabia contains an opportunity to bring an end to the conflict"
Gantz also referred to the advancing agreement with Saudi Arabia: "Nevertheless, from among the dark clouds, there is also a glimmer of optimism: a central Arab country, Saudi Arabia, is taking real steps alongside our great ally, the United States, to bring about normalization in its relations with the State of Israel. This is an opportunity that holds within it the potential to shape a new regional reality and to bring about the end of most of the Israeli-Arab conflict, and perhaps even the normalization with additional Muslim countries."
The minister concluded: "Therefore, we are facing three strategic and highly important security issues: the first and immediate one is ensuring the security of Israeli civilians within our borders and in the territories of Judea and Samaria. The second is preventing Iran from obtaining military nuclear capability. And the third is realizing the unique opportunity of reaching a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, which holds significant potential for the State of Israel.
"These are the three most important and urgent issues in the national order of priorities. They require the national effort to be focused on them, and the security establishment, under my leadership, is committed to them above all other issues."