Israeli attacks on IDF anger Peres

President says stones aimed at IDF pose danger to state and its security; statement follows new arrest of Ephraim attack suspect.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
Hilltop Youth setters West Bank 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen)
Hilltop Youth setters West Bank 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen)
Whoever aims a stone at the head of an IDF officer poses a danger to the state and its security, President Shimon Peres declared Sunday.
He spoke in response to the infiltration by Jewish rioters to the Ephraim Brigade headquarters earlier this month, during which they vandalized an army vehicle and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at soldiers.
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A 22-year-old resident of a West Bank settlement was arrested Sunday on suspicion of being involved in an attack on the IDF’s Ephraim Division military base earlier this month. The suspect, from Karnei Shomron, was taken into custody by Judea and Samaria police after coming under suspicion that he was one of 50 far- Right activists who sneaked into the base December 13, vandalized vehicles, and set fire to tires to protest the clearing of illegal outposts.
Several suspects were arrested in connection with the incident last week.
Peres voiced his anger at a Hanukka candle lighting ceremony in the auditorium of the monument to the Armored Corps in the presence of Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and 300 soldiers from various combat units.
The IDF is ready to confront every threat from near and from far, said Peres, noting the IDF threatens no one nor is it afraid of threats.
The army is the people, he said, and the people include all the young men and women who are called to serve in the army. All soldiers regardless of gender, have the same rights and obligations, Peres emphasized.
All are equal without favoritism or discrimination, he said, adding that Israel is one state, with one army and one command. It is a unique army surrounded by a unique population, and no external force, whether religious or secular, has the right to give orders.
Disruption of military discipline can prove hazardous to the IDF’s prowess in combat and its ability to win battles, Peres warned.
Peres, who was among the architects of Israel’s defense establishment said he had every confidence in the IDF.