President Shimon Peres: “We are at the height of our military capabilities. The people love and appreciate you”
Date: 12/09/2012, 10:23 PM
Author: IDF Website
Today (Wednesday), President Shimon Peres and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz paid a special visit to the Haifa Naval Base in honor of the Jewish New Year. Lt. Gen. Gantz and the Commander in Chief of the Navy, Vice Adm. Ram Rothberg, presented the President with a review of the Navy’s preparations for future threats.
The President also spoke with several soldiers from the Navy, answering several questions. After the conversation, the President toasted the New Year with soldiers from all over the Navy.
Vice Adm. Rothberg said the Navy is ready for any task or operation, whether in the Mediterranean or in seas farther away. “The Navy is prepared for war and hopes for peace,” said Vice Adm. Rothberg. “Israel’s hand will maintain its sovereignty over Israel’s territorial waters. “
Lt. Gen. Gantz warmly greeted the President, saying “The Navy is not a large force, but it is a necessary component in protecting Israel along all its borders.”
President Peres said that Israel faces many challenges. He spoke of Syria, saying that the fall of Assad will drastically change the situation in the Middle East and will have a dramatic impact on Iran and Lebanon.
“Iran is dangerous to many countries in the Middle East and elsewhere,” added President Peres. “It threatens Muslim countries near and far, and has dangerous imperialist aspirations towards nuclear weapons and terrorism networks reaching throughout the Middle East. Its goals and aspirations threaten the entire world.”
The President also addressed the soldiers. “The IDF has never had the capabilities we see today, we are at the peak of our capabilities. You soldiers and warriors who are sacrificing your youth, who are sacrificing opportunities- you lead the security operations and activities all year long. You spend days and nights in submarines, on missile boats, and in the field. I tell you today that the nation loves you and the nation appreciates you.”