Gantz: Iran Greatest Obstacle, Russian Effort to Preserve Syria Strange

Local Editor

"Israeli" Chief of Staff Benny Gantz claimed that "Moscow is lending considerable support to Iran-Hizbullah efforts to preserve the Syrian regime."

He also warned that "no calm in Gaza if no calm in south "Israel"," he warns.
"Iran and Hizbullah are involved up to their necks and more in an attempt to preserve the axis and [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad's regime, and/or in a concerted and coordinated effort to prepare for the day after," Gantz said.

"Strangely, Russia lends considerable support to this by supporting al-Assad," the "Israeli" military chief stated Monday night.

In parallel, Gantz revealed that the "Israel" is preparing for the possibility that Syria will be divided into separate zones. "Syria may be Alawitestan in the northwestern corner of the country, and lately I've been hearing the term 'Afghaniskan' (Afghanistan is here). We are not waiting for this future to arrive and have been preparing for this for more than a year," he said.

According to Gantz, the main threat to "Israel" remains Iran, saying the Islamic Republic continues to take advantage of the dialogue with the Western powers to carry out a strategic filibuster on the way to getting closer to nuclear capability."

"Iran strives for regional hegemony, and wherever it is involved there will be repercussions. A reality of a nuclear Iran will be severe, and it will have a dramatic influence (on the region)," he claimed.

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Gantz said Hizbullah may find itself isolated in the region due to what he referred to as a crack in the axis with Iran. He claimed the axis is weakening due to pressures applied on Hizbullah within Lebanon. "Hizbullah is helping al-Assad to get his hands on strategic capabilities," he added.

On the situation with Gaza, Gantz said: "Hamas is not interested in losing control and is monitoring the developments in Gaza, but it is not the only player, and there are other terror organizations that are trying to act. Hamas is trying to restrain them.

"We cannot go back to the reality which existed before. If calm will not prevail in the south, it will not prevail in Gaza either. We will not hesitate to activate force there, if necessary," Gantz warned.
The "Israeli" army chief also addressed the recent rocket attack on Eilat, saying the Sinai Peninsula is becoming less and less "stable." Gantz said he hopes the Egyptians will continue with their efforts to rein in elements operating in the peninsula.

Source: Ynet, Edited by moqawama.org