Israel Katz
Gen. Michael Kurilla discussed the situation in Syria and countering Iran with top military and security officials.
The defense minister acted due to concerns local terrorists may be inspired by the victory of Islamist rebels in Syria.
Washington “will continue the mission to prevent ISIS from re-establishing a safe haven on Syrian territory,” the secretary of defense said.
The Israeli defense minister also announced the creation of a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.
The IAF carried out numerous strikes in Syria overnight Sunday, taking out weaponry that Jerusalem fears could fall into the hands of hostiles.
The Israeli defense minister will not allow political statements by uniformed soldiers in the future.
Vowing “zero tolerance” for violations, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that if the truce collapses “there will no longer be an exemption for the state of Lebanon.”
Sgt. Maj. (res.) Eyal Naveh co-founded the Brothers in Arms group that spearheaded the refusal of military service to protest judicial reform.
The defense minister made it clear that the policy shift was not an endorsement of attacks against Arabs.
There is mounting concern in the Jewish state’s security establishment that pro-Iranian terrorists could attempt to commit an attack similar to Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 massacre.
Katz also said he would meet with the families of female IDF field observers, “to allow them to voice their position on the issue.”
“We are close to an agreement. It could happen within days; a few details remain to be finalized,” said Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog.
