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Netanyahu, Ya’alon tour northern border, warn against Iranian ambitions
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon yesterday visited the country’s northern border and warned that Israel will do everything necessary to thwart Iran’s ambitions and influence in the region, as Tehran continues to back regional terror groups.
Netanyahu and Ya’alon visited IDF Northern Command headquarters and were briefed by Head of Norther Command Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi. Netanyahu emphasised the danger of Iranian-backed terror proxies in Lebanon and Syria, such as Hezbollah, pointing out that Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif recently told Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, “and I quote, ‘The nuclear agreement has created an historic opportunity to stand against the Zionist entity.’”
Netanyahu predicted that, “The money that will flow to Iran in the wake of the nuclear agreement will serve it to strengthen the terrorist organisations.” In addition to Hezbollah, Iran also backs Islamic Jihad in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen among others. Netanyahu pledged, “The IDF is strong. The State of Israel is strong. We are ready for any eventuality. Those who try to attack us – we will hurt them.”
Ya’alon echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, saying “On the Golan Heights [Syrian border] it is not quiet and those who do not want quiet are the Iranians, who are trying to use proxies to carry out attacks against us.” He added, “Of course, the IDF is prepared; it will continue to not allow violations of sovereignty on the Golan Heights.” Reports last week suggested that the IDF carried out drills preparing for the possibility of a large-scale attack or incursion by terror groups across the Syrian border.
Meanwhile, also yesterday Iran’s Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan told the Fars news agency that Iran will imminently purchase four S-300 anti-missile systems from Russia. He said, “Our friends will go to Russia next week to sign the contract.” The S-300 is considered one of the world’s premier air defence systems and would complicate any future military action targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.