Netanyahu: ‘Those Who Attack Us, We Will Hurt Them’

“Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, and we are ready for any scenario,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday during a visit to the military’s Northern Command.

With the prime minister on the visit were Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot and GOC Northern Command Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, who briefed Netanyahu and Ya’alon on the security situation on the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon borders.

“I am here today at the IDF Northern Command, along with the defense minister, chief of staff, GOC Northern Command and field commanders to closely observe the IDF’s readiness against these threats,” Netanyahu said.

“I was positively impressed both by the IDF’s preparedness and by the determination of its commanders and soldiers. The IDF is strong. The State of Israel is strong. We are ready for any eventuality. Those who try to attack us—we will hurt them.”

Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian threat, saying, “The ruler of Iran, [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei, said yesterday, and I quote, ‘We will take all measures to support all those who fight against Israel.’ Iranian Foreign Minister [Mohammad Javad] Zarif said in Beirut a few days ago, at a meeting with Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah, and I quote, ‘The nuclear agreement has created a historic opportunity to stand against the Zionist entity.’ What we have said all along is being seen as correct and accurate. The money that will flow to Iran in the wake of the nuclear agreement will serve it to strengthen the terrorist organizations operating against us, in its name and under its auspices, in the avowed goal to destroy Israel.”

Ya’alon praised the military, saying, “I would like to commend IDF soldiers and commanders in general, and those of the Northern Command in particular, for safeguarding our borders and maintaining quiet along them, despite what is happening on the other side [in Syria], and for their professionalism, which is allowing thousands of tourists to travel throughout the north.

“It is not quiet on the Golan Heights and those who do not want quiet are the Iranians, who are trying to use proxies to carry out attacks against us. Representatives of the Revolutionary Guards are currently waiting for the implementation of the bad agreement that is being formulated with the major powers in order to send more money to Hezbollah and the other terrorist organizations, both on the Golan Heights and in the Palestinian arena. Of course, the IDF is prepared; it will not allow violations of sovereignty on the Golan Heights.”

On the tensions in Judea and Samaria, Ya’alon said, “As you have seen, it is not quiet [in Judea and Samaria]. There are attempted knife attacks on an almost daily basis. Again, I would like to commend IDF soldiers and Border Police personnel for responding quickly and professionally against all those who try to raise a hand or a knife against IDF soldiers or civilians.

“We will not allow any terrorist element to attack our soldiers and civilians. Moreover, we will continue to take various steps against terrorism. This week I approved the demolition of more terrorists’ homes, terrorists who already committed their crimes, as part of our deterrent moves to prevent terrorism.”

For the original article, visit israelhayom.org.