The Defense Minister was interviewed by an Egyptian channel, and referred, among other things, to dealing with Tehran and the change of government in the United States. • "American support for Israel is cross-party"
Ganz in an interview with the Arab channel Al-Jad broadcast from Cairo
Photography:
Ministry of Defence
Defense Minister Bnei Gantz appeared today (Sunday) in the first ever interview of an Israeli minister for the Arab channel Al-Jad broadcast from Cairo, as part of the first series of interviews of its kind on Israel.
Journalist Nazir Majali spoke with the defense minister in his office in Tel Aviv about dealing with Iran, the US administration change, the challenges and opportunities in the region and also the upcoming elections.
"Israel has a clear goal - that Iran will not be nuclear," Gantz said, adding: "It is not just an Israeli interest. It is first and foremost a global and regional interest. The IDF and the defense establishment retain the option to act against the nuclear project if that is what needs to be done.
I hope we do not get there. "
Regarding the question of nuclear development for civilian purposes in Iran, Ganz said: "Civilian development is not enrichment in centrifuges. If you want to develop nuclear capability for medical purposes do you have to hide it underground? Do you need to prevent access to inspectors? We know the Iranians are trying to get weapons Nuclear and we will not allow that. "
Bnei Gantz congratulates Biden: "It is certain that we will work together against Iranian aggression" // Photo: Elad Malka
On the Biden administration's policy toward Israel: "American support for Israel is cross-party, both Republican and Democratic, and relations are very deep and very close. I am convinced we will work to ensure that relations with the Biden administration are as good as with previous administrations. Excellent action at all levels - from the intelligence level to the strategic level. "
"Normalization and peace relations are the greatest guarantee for the security of the region, for the stability of the region. These relations must become relations between peoples and not just between governments and I hope we will see more and more. There are many capabilities in Israel. The same capabilities exist throughout the region. "The Gulf, Egypt, Sudan. There is no reason not to enjoy them together. It belongs to our peoples."
Regarding relations with the Palestinians and possible negotiations, he said: "There is no reason why the wealth of the Arab world and trade with it should not be shared - even with the Palestinians.
I think there should be a direct connection.
The distance between Jerusalem and Ramallah is 10 minutes by car.
It is a pity that we travel far and are unable to meet each other here. "
