Peres: Israel more powerful than meets the eye

Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz says IDF is ready to meet any challenge on any given day.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
Shimon Peres with Benny Gantz and Amir Eshel 370 (photo credit: Koby Gideon/GPO)
Shimon Peres with Benny Gantz and Amir Eshel 370
(photo credit: Koby Gideon/GPO)
Anyone who seeks to harm Israel should know it is more powerful than meets the eye, President Shimon Peres said Tuesday during a visit to the Palmahim Air Force base.
Commenting on the IAF’s hidden strength, and hinting to Iran and other enemies of Israel, Peres said: “The full power of the army and the air force is not visible to the naked eye, but anyone who is disdainful of Israel and plans to attack us, should take this into account.”
At the base, Peres was briefed on defense strategies by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, IAF Commander in Chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel and senior officers who showed him the latest innovations in the air force’s defense systems.
Peres expressed his pride in all branches of the IDF and declared the IAF to be the best air force in the world with the most exclusive, advanced technological systems, plus a high quality, dedicated human component.
The Israel Air Force will never rest on its laurels, but will always but will always look forward towards future challenges, said Peres. Air strength, flexibility and capability are more relevant today than before, he added.
Gantz said that Israel is confronted by many challenges including those in the sky and is ready to meet them all 365 days a year, and to react accordingly with intelligence, operational and tactical responses against every threat.
Eshel said that the air force was the most essential and effective branch of the defense forces and was made up of exceptionally talented and devoted personnel.