Former statement by former chief of staff • Also referred to protests in Lebanon, saying they represent an opportunity to change the strategic picture in the country: "Citizens confront Hizbullah activists" • Expressed opposition to defense alliance with US • Regarding possible joining politics: "Not appetizing"

• Capricorn / Photo: Institute of National Security Studies

Former Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Gadi Eisenkott, spoke (Monday) at the INSS conference and discussed the strategic situation with Syria and Lebanon, and the possibility that he will follow his predecessors - Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi and Moshe Ya'alon - and enter the political system.

"Iran was the first to realize that the victory over IS around the corner was trying to achieve hegemony in Syria. They wanted to deploy 100,000 Shiite fighters in the country, air camps at Syrian Air Force bases and intelligence bases and the Golan Heights," Eisenkott elaborated.

"That is why we have recommended that the government place the Iranian threat in Syria as the number one threat," continued Izankot. "We have achieved very significant achievements. The Iranians are determined, and they are still there, but they are far from the vision they set for themselves at the end of 2016."

Demonstrators in Beirut: "This is Lebanon, not Iran"

"Hizbullah wants big achievements on a small scale"

In addition to the situation in Syria, Eisenkott also referred to Lebanon, claiming that the Second Lebanon War led to years of quiet on the border, thanks to the use of force in the war. "The criticism that was drawn to us during and after the war was correct. We told ourselves that we expected ourselves to achieve greater achievements in defense and in how the offensive missions are accomplished. At the same time, it has been 13 years since the Lebanese border has been quiet," he said.

"The Israeli public, which has fired more than 4,000 rockets, has been a very difficult experience. The public did not realize in real time the magnitude of the damage to Hezbollah, which was very surprised by our pattern of action in both Dahiya and Hezbollah centers in the southern villages," he continued.

More on:

• A pro-Iranian militia will be deployed on the Syria-Iraq border

• Lebanon: Al-Hariri may be re-elected prime minister

• Hope on fire: Middle East decade leaders

"Opportunity Never Before"

Regarding Hizbullah's situation today, Isnakot said the terrorist organization "took a decision for a grandiose project, to build a pattern of action that rests on smaller-scale past achievements - offensive ability against Israel in the underground and that the Israeli public will experience never before, thousands of Hezbollah fighters Israel.

"Hezbollah's second pattern is the exact weapon. We are in a completely different reality in both defense and attack capabilities in Lebanon. Hezbollah knows that along with that, over 130,000 rockets have been built there that will damage the Israeli home front."

Eisenkott also referred to the possibility of bringing about a strategic change in Lebanon, saying "Citizens are taking to the streets and confronting Hezbollah people. This is an opportunity for the West to return Lebanon to Lebanon and expel it from Quds and Hezbollah forces. There is a new reality and therefore economic moves in favor of the Lebanese people, which will come from Israel. Gas and other agreements that can be promoted - there is an opportunity that has never been before. "

The key to strategic change in the Middle East? Whale gas reservoir // Photo: Noble Energy

"As we found a solution to suicide terrorism, we also find the Gaza problem, but there is no magic solution."

"Hamas is a relatively weak organization, which has built a pattern of action that allows it to fire missiles at the home front. I do not stick to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, but we have to remind ourselves that we experienced a much more difficult reality, when over four years, 1,200 people were killed in his bus suicide bombing. The terror, ”he said.

"Hamas acts out of internal distress, it manages to harass, but it also absorbs losses," continued Izankot. "There is not only a security problem here. There are also social and political aspects here that speak of a complex challenge without any miraculous solutions, but I am sure he will find a solution."

In addition to these matters, Eisenkott referred to the possibility of a military alliance between Israel and the United States, and expressed his opposition to the move. "Israel today and for the foreseeable future can defend itself on its own," he said, adding that he did not think it was right to promote such an alliance now.

Finally, Eisenkott was asked whether he intended to follow his predecessors' role and join politics, saying: "This big appetite does not inspire joining. Together with the great appreciation for all three, they came from a place that wants to influence the country to make it stronger, more just, perhaps more equal.

"The military service gives something to servants over time. It is your understanding that you are serving the state, performing tasks and serving something that is bigger than you. I watch them from the side and I appreciate their choice to try to make the country better," he concluded.