Gantz: Threats outweigh opportunities from Arab spring

IDF chief tells high-ranking operational commanders "big risks could not be taken during this period of instability."

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Gantz 311 reuters (photo credit: Reuters)
Gantz 311 reuters
(photo credit: Reuters)
Threats and regional turmoil resulting from the "Arab spring" currently outweigh potential opportunities, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said on Monday, during a meeting of an operational military forum.
Addressing all of the IDF's operational commanders from the rank of battalion commander upwards, Gantz said that big risks could not be taken during this period of instability.
Gantz ordered the commanders to ask themselves every morning, "Tomorrow war breaks out - what does this mean for each one?" and to prepare their forces.
"It's clear to me that this forum will be tested this coming year. [It will be a] personal test, a test of continuous security, operational tests, and the need to change in accordance to strategic changes," Gantz added.