The Defense Minister referred to the question "Israel Today" regarding the large number of publications about the operation in Natanz • "This is very serious, I intend to act so that there will be an investigation into this matter" • "Iran with nuclear potential is something that is very bad for the world, the region and Israel"
Bnei Gantz
Photo:
Eyal Margolin, Ginny
"I do not intend to address any concrete action, I do want to address the issue of chatter. This is extremely serious. I intend to act so that there will be an investigation into this matter, it is impossible for anyone to chatter themselves, regardless of this or that operation,"
he said today. (Monday) Defense Minister Bnei Gantz in response to a question from Israel Today regarding the proliferation of publications and reports on the Mossad's covert operation in Iran.
"It is impossible to accept the winking of eyes and the practical stories of 'elements in the West.' This is a very serious thing, harming our forces, harming the security and interests of the State of Israel. This is an unprecedented scandal. It will be the most senior investigation in the State of Israel," he added.
Ganz appealed to the Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, to open an investigation into the matter.
Ganz and US Secretary of Defense met: "We will ensure that an agreement with Iran will maintain Israel's security" // Photo: GPO
Asked if there was a discussion about a change in the ambiguity policy or if it was a political motive: "There was no discussion about the ambiguity policy, I think it is irresponsible behavior, if it stems from personal or political interests it is extremely serious in my eyes," he said.
"I do not know where it comes from, I know where it does not come from. I think the prime minister has great experience in the political-security field and I would not underestimate it. I think any other consideration should be kept away and I hope that is what he does."
On the risk of operations, he said: "We need to use our power wisely. We try to postpone risks, that's what we do all the time and that's what we will continue to do. Iran with nuclear potential at a point close to it is very bad for the world, the region and Israel. We must not reverse the order, this is a problem of the world - there is no place where Iran is not involved in instability. They are involved in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen. When they have nuclear capability it will allow them to be even more aggressive in the region, and "These consequences we are constantly trying to convey to our partners. Therefore, beyond the diplomatic actions and the work on the nuclear agreement together with the United States and other countries, Israel must maintain its capacity for action in a credible, strong, good and independent manner."
The Secretary of Defense's remarks came during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the Nabataean Air Force Base.
The Israeli side was joined by Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Nurkin and the IDF Attaché in Washington, Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox. "The visit is not self-evident, and expresses the deep friendship between the two countries," Gantz added. "And the visit also points to the importance of security relations between the two countries as the Biden administration sees them."
"We discussed all the strategic and security challenges: the nuclear agreements, Iran's establishment in the Middle East, normalization with Arab countries, relations with the Palestinians, the need to strengthen relations with Jordan and Egypt, and a wide range of other issues, including the issue of Chinese activity in the region," he said.
"The United States is more committed than ever to maintaining Israel's qualitative advantage in the region, and of course to continuing the agreements I reached with the previous administration after the normalization agreements."
Addressing the issue of a nuclear deal with Iran, Gantz reiterated the defense establishment's position that the previous agreement was not good.
"We need to continue the pressure on Iran, and reach an agreement with no expiration dates, and with extensive and unlimited oversight capability. We have found a sympathetic ear, and there is a US commitment to cooperation, even if we do not always agree 100% on every point," Ganz told reporters.
Ganz further noted that he presented to the Secretary of Defense the way Hezbollah and Hamas build their power and doctrine of warfare from built-up and civilian spaces - and the implications of opening an investigation into the ICC on this activity.
"On this issue, the Americans support us," he stressed.