Amid the backdrop of the threat of Iranian cruise missiles, Tehran's influence in the Syrian civil war, and its proxy in Yemen, the Houthi rebel group, Israel Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin on Wednesday said, "The security challenge is becoming more complex. In addition to the missiles and rockets, there are also attack drones and cruise missiles now."
Norkin, speaking at a graduation ceremony for officers of the Israeli Air Defense Command, added: "I stand here before you all, well aware of the importance of the Air Defense Command to me as air force commander, and that its daily contributions are steadily becoming a significant component of any mission and operation."
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The air force chief continued: "As we speak, Arrow, Patriot, David's Sling, and Iron Dome batteries are ready for battle. I know that in the near future I will be meeting you at your posts, defending the people and the country, having joined the team of air force commanders.
"The transition to the status of being an officer and commander comes with responsibilities. Be attentive, educate, demand a high level of proficiency… and always remember to learn from those you teach. Be humble, deeply curious, be friends," Norkin told the new officers.
Norkin concluded his speech by saying that the "level of defense will be determined by the last fighter [in the chain of command], and we must train, drill and be extremely prepared. This is the air force's culture, and we will make sure it continues to be."
On Monday, as a reminder, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that Iran is deploying precision missiles in Yemen that are capable of hitting Israel.
According to Netanyahu, Tehran's ambition is to obtain the capacity to launch a precision strike on any target in the Middle East.
Mnuchin pledged to increase economic sanctions against Iran, saying the administration's "maximum pressure campaign" is halting Iranian aggression.
Iran has a large arsenal of ballistic missiles, some of which have a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).
