Gantz: Iran is igniting the region with instability
Iran recently announced that it resumed 20% uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility.
By UDI SHAHAMAlternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz seen during a visit on the Israel-Lebanon border, Northern Israel, on November 17, 2020.(photo credit: DAVID COHEN/FLASH 90)
Iran’s recent rhetoric and actions are fueling the Middle East with instability, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Tuesday.“Iran is a global and regional challenge, as well as a challenge for Israel,” he said during a visit to the Israel Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit base. “Our defense establishment and all of the relevant bodies need to keep monitoring this issue. Everyone should join hands in the struggle against Iran’s terrorist actions and against its military nuclear aspirations.”“The entire world needs to step up the pressure, and we need to guarantee that we have all the resources we need to be fully prepared to contend with Iran across the different fronts,” Gantz said.Iran on Monday announced it had resumed 20% uranium enrichment at an underground nuclear facility. The move was seen as an intention of the Islamic Republic to continue its plans to develop nuclear weapons.When asked in an interview if the situation with Iran could “erupt” into an actual confrontation, Gantz replied that he thinks that “there is a chance we will see ‘events,’ happening.”“I don’t know if the situation will erupt,” he said. “An eruption of the situation is a function of what will happen in these events. I must add that the IDF and the rest of the Israeli security forces are on alert, and are well aware of what is happening in this front.”Gantz said that this current period of time is a sensitive one, especially due to the coming changes in the American administration.The IDF and the security establishment said that they are preparing for a possible Iranian-led attack by one of its proxies in what they call “the second circle countries,” such as Yemen and Iraq.On Sunday, Hezbollah’s secretary-general said in a speech that “Iran is a strong country,” and that it does not rely on its proxies in its ability to attack.
