Israel won't allow Iran to introduce game-changing weapons to its proxies in Lebanon and Syria, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Tuesday.
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The defense minister spoke during a visit to the Ramat David Airbase. He was accompanied by Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin and Head of the Strategy and Third Circle Directorate Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman.
Speaking with soldiers and aircrew personnel during the tour, Gantz said Iran "is the greatest enemy" of the nations in the Middle East," and urged regional leaders to resist Iran's "infringement of their sovereignty and their people."
The IAF, he noted, "Marks a year of significant operational performance, and like in previous years, we took on threats on various fronts, all of which are being fueled by Iran."
The ayatollahs' regime, he continued, "Cannot provide education and water to its citizens - but continues to invest huge sums in its nuclear program and [regional] proxies.
"Iran is undermining governance in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and other countries, and seeks to sacrifice the region on the altar of its leaders' interests."
He reiterated that nations in the Middle East "must stop Iran from undermining their sovereignty and people. Israel," he stressed, "Will not allow Iran to send game-changing weapons to its proxies and threaten the Israeli public.
"The IDF will continue to operate everywhere, in the air, on land and at sea, in order to ensure the security of the State of Israel," Gantz concluded.
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