We’ll protect Israel ‘through fire and iron,’ says officer

Paratroopers commander discusses recent changes in Arab world, describing them as “historic,” and as having “strategic significance.”

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
IDF Paratroopers perpare to jump in brigade-level jump 311 (photo credit: IDF Spokesman's Unit)
IDF Paratroopers perpare to jump in brigade-level jump 311
(photo credit: IDF Spokesman's Unit)
The threat of war has not yet been lifted, and paratroopers may be required to carry out operations of the kind “that we only read about in books,” Col. Amir Baram, commander of the IDF’s Paratroop Brigade, said in comments made public on Monday.
The colonel spoke at a ceremony to mark the end of an especially intensive training period last week. His comments were released by the IDF Spokesman’s Office.
“If we need to, we are determined to protect the State of Israel through fire and iron,” Baram said, addressing ongoing security operations and the potential for future conflict.
Baram also discussed the recent changes that have rocked the Arab world, describing them as “historic,” and as having “strategic significance.”
The army said prolonged paratroop training exercises have been marked by a very high level of intensity in recent months.
“We must not rest on our laurels. The challenges in the next war will be greater and more difficult,” Baram said.