Netanyahu, Defense Ministry reassure country all is well before the Jewish new year

Prime Minister Netanyahu tells Israeli citizens ahead of Jewish holiday, Israel "is peaceful, certain of the strength of the IDF."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu looking menacing 370 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Netanyahu looking menacing 370
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minstry leaders Moshe Ya'alon and Danny Danon, used the upcoming Rosh Hashana holiday as a platform to assure citizens that Israel is ready to confront any situation that may arise.
Netanyahu offered words of reassurance during a time of regional upheaval while speaking at Monday's ceremony dedicating the new Golani interchange.
"Our state is peaceful, certain of the strength of the IDF and sure in itself because it knows that it can defend itself," Netanyahu said.
Tensions have run high in recent days as Israel continues to follow the ongoing violence in neighboring Syria.
But the Prime Minister promised to protect Israel and urged Israelis to enjoy the upcoming Rosh Hashana holiday.
"I will not allow anyone to harm the state of Israel," he said. "I ask you to go out and enjoy the holiday and if someone thinks of harming the tranquility of the holiday, he knows what awaits him."
In light of the completion of the new interchange, Netanyahu opted to highlight Israel's progress compared to it's bordering countries.
"While they shoot at each other, we build for each other," the Prime Minister said.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said that Israel's powerful army intimidates its neighbors.
Ya'alon spoke to Defense Ministry officials during a celebration marking the approaching Rosh Hashana holiday.
"The capabilities of the (Defense) Ministry and it's staff to perform their jobs well is famous," Ya'alon said, "and the Defense Ministry employees of past generations helped the Israeli army evolve into a unit capable of intimidating our neighbors."
He added, "we have the enormous advantage that the other side understands it is not worth their while to challenge us."
Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon spoke to IDF soldiers in a similar ceremony and reiterated Ya'alon's comments, adding that it is in Syria's interests to avoid attacking Israel.
"Recent events, specifically regarding Syria, show us again the proof that we are ready for any scenario," Danon said. "I wouldn't advise anyone to try and disrupt the holiday festivities of the citizens of Israel."