Eye on the Enemy: Chief of Staff: Arab Spring Re-draws Features of Threats “Israel” Faces
Channel 10 - Doron Nahum
At a Ground Forces officer course graduation ceremony, chief of staff and defense minister referred to the changes in the Middle East and the threats facing "Israel". Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that "the growth of certain groups threatens the stability of the whole region."
Chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gantz warned from the threats the Arab springs pose on "Israel", "The changes in the Middle East are redrawing the features of the threats "Israel" faces, in addition to the persistent efforts by terrorist organizations to attack "Israel" and its citizens," he stated. Gantz addressed the graduates and told them that they must cope in the face of all threats generated. ""Israel" and the IDF must maintain readiness and capabilities," he stressed.
On last week's return of Sergeant First Class Gilad Shalit, Lt. Gen. Gantz said that Shalit's release is the end of a mission that began at the borders more than five years ago. "Gaza Border's protection mission of Team 2 (Mehtz Brigade) has ended when Sgt Gilad Shalit and his family returned home," he said.
Gantz wanted to emphasize in this context the IDF's moral commitment to its troops. "This responsibility and tireless commitment is appreciated among leaders of other armed forces to whom I spoke after Gilad's release," and added, "they expressed how much they were impressed by the swap deal, and how in the IDF, every soldier matters."
During the ceremony, Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, also chose to speak of the changes in the Arab World and the threats imposed on "Israel". "The Arab Spring is ousting dictatorships and tyrants, it expresses the will of the people, but it opens a wide door to the world of political power so as to the Islamists of the whole region," Barak said. He stressed that the expansion of some groups poses a future threat to the stability of the region. "Our hand is outstretched for peace, but not always we receive comebacks. For the "Israeli" population, the real defender standing-off against everything going on is the strong, alerted and prepared army," added the Minister of Defense.
Ex-Shin Bet chief: Prisoner exchanges are bad for "Israel"
Yediot Ahronot - Mati Siver
Yuval Diskin, ex-Shin Bet chief since 5 months, slapped prisoner swap deals with Hamas and Egypt, and called "Israel" to return to the negotiations' table.
"These deals are not good for the State of "Israel"; whether or not they are good for the public is a different question," Diskin stated yesterday during a students' conference at the Ayalim Association in Negev. Diskin, who was Shin Bet's chief at the time Gilad was kidnapped, noted that Hamas' situation in the Gaza Strip was problematic, but "there is no doubt that the Shalit deal has raised its prestige and revived it."
During his speech, Diskin criticized the government for failing to hold diplomatic talks with the Palestinian Authority, saying that this was "harming our legitimacy in the world."
As for the Palestinian UN bid, Diskin maintained he has not been overly impressed, saying that this is one small step among many events going on. However, he expressed being non confident about the possibility to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Noting that the PA president Abu Mazen, the current leader, isn't entirely in good health, Diskin said, "He's hanging on to his position until the day he feels he can't push things forward anymore." According to Diskin, "the day Mahmoud Abbas would quit his post, will result in security deterioration for the area which will have negative effects on "Israel". To Diskin, the problem is that Abbas has no evident successor and once he moves, a succession dispute will begin.
Ex-Shin Bet chief even discussed inner issues of the PA, especially the relationship between PA's president, Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayad, "they don't like each other much, but as long as the Palestinians are getting money through Fayyad, Abbas will keep him to his side," Diskin explained.
Diskin didn't forget mentioning the Arab spring and the situation of the surrounding countries. He estimated that the volatile situation in Syria will go on for some time and a lot of blood will be shed. Commenting on the trial of the former Egyptian president, Disken said, "Those who arrested Mubarak and put him into trial were those who sucked up to him for many years". "When anyone sees a person like Mubarak behind bars, you cannot help but sympathize with him," he added.
Source: Hebrew Press, translated by moqawama.org
