BICOM

Israel’s Defence Minister and Chief of Staff both used the occasion of Independence Day to warn that Israel may have to tackle Iran’s nuclear threat alone.

Speaking at an Independence Day gathering in Herzliya, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon called Iran’s nuclear programme “The most significant threat – not only to the State of Israel, but also to the Middle East and developed countries,” saying that the consequences of Tehran’s nuclear development “might be tragic.” Ya’alon warned that “Tehran is not impressed” with the global response to its nuclear activities so far and that the Iranian regime “does not identify determination in the Western world to stop its nuclear project.” He urged the international community to “lead the battle against Iran” but also said that “Israel must take into account the possibility that it may be forced to defend itself, by itself.” However, he emphasised that “using military power is the last resort.”

Also speaking yesterday, in an Independence Day interview on Israel Radio, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that “The Iranian challenge is a meaningful one. We must look at it strategically long-term.” Asked whether the IDF is, if necessary, able to attack Iran by itself, Gantz answered “unequivocally, yes,” explaining that “We will do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.”  He further commented, “There are long, continuous discussions [among Israel’s leaders], and I presume we’ll have more of those in the future” on the issue. Gantz also said that there is a similar level of preparedness should Israel be required to engage militarily with Syria.

Meanwhile, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday adopted a resolution pledging the support of the United States in the event of Israeli military action against Iran.