Israel should not lose hope that peace with its neighbors is possible, but must also remain ready to protect itself at critical moments, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in an interview on Remembrance Day Wednesday.
Speaking with Israel Radio, the defense minister said Israel would continue to work with the United States and Europe to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Turning to the issue of Egypt's upcoming presidential elections, Barak expressed hope the "real needs of the Egyptian people will encourage any [new] government to maintain the durability of the [peace] agreement."
