Peretz: Kassams least of our problems

Says IDF should not ignore looming non-conventional threats while dealing with the immediate problem of Katyushas and Kassams.

By YAAKOV KATZ
amir peretz 298 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
amir peretz 298 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
Hinting at a possible nuclear or chemical strike against Israel, Defense Minister Amir Peretz warned Tuesday that the IDF should not ignore looming non-conventional threats while dealing with the immediate problem of Kassam rockets and Katyusha missiles. "While Israel is currently dealing with the immediate threats, we need to keep in mind that much greater threats loom on the horizon," Peretz said during a tour of a Home Front Command (HFC) training base near Rishon Lezion. "We cannot let the threat of the Kassams turn our attention away from dealing with greater threats like non-conventional attacks." During the tour alongside IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz and Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh, Peretz watched HFC soldiers practice a search-and-rescue exercise in a mock chemical attack. Peretz said the Home Front Command had become one of the IDF's most essential organizations since the war in Lebanon this past summer and needed to prepare for various threats originating from different sectors. Peretz also commented on the State Comptroller report on the defense establishment, published Monday, which slammed the IDF for failing to adequately train high-ranking officers. "We are dealing with the results of the policy that was in place under which people turned a blind eye to things," he said. "But, we do not plan to run away from the responsibility while blaming our predecessors."