Defense Minister Bnei Gantz, There is tonight (Monday) a briefing for researchers from around the world and foreign journalists organized by the Washington Institute for Middle East Policy in Zoom. During the briefing, Ganz conducted a security-policy review, which touched on relations with the United States, the situation in Ukraine, the nuclear agreement with Iran and the Iranian aggression, and the wave of terrorism in Israel.
In his opening remarks, the Defense Minister addressed the issue of Iran’s nuclear program and stated that “Iran continues to enrich uranium as we know it and is close to 90% enrichment if they want it. It is good that they push for an agreement – “From where they are today. Plan B should be activated immediately.”
Regarding Iranian aggression in the region, he said: “We aim to expand intelligence cooperation with the United States and perhaps even build a coalition that will act against Iran’s violations, if there is an agreement – and that can cover holes in surveillance. I can also see the possibility of cooperation in the face of aggression in terms of air defense. “
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Ganz also clarified that Israel is working against arms transfers and threats against it that the Iranians are creating in Syria. “If Assad wants to be part of the region, he will have to stop his negative ties with Iran and the terrorism it spreads in Syria.”
Gantz later referred to the wave of terrorism and stated that “it is very good that the Palestinian Authority condemns and acts against terrorism – but I expect it to act against senior Palestinian Authority officials, especially in the Jenin area, who encourage incitement and harm both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.”
“We hope to see a calm – and if the situation stabilizes, we can lower the age of entry from Judea and Samaria to the Temple Mount. Along with the fact that we are looking for it to be good and calm, we are also ready for escalation in all arenas – including Gaza and Lebanon. “Escalation is something that can feed itself,” he added.
Regarding the civilian aspects in Judea and Samaria and Gaza, Gantz explained the policy he has been pursuing since the Wall Guard of strengthening the Palestinian Authority, the economy and the civilian aspects in Judea and Samaria and Gaza. In this context, he said: “There are over 12,000 Palestinian workers in Gaza – if the peace there is maintained we can expand it – but there is also the possibility that we will go back.”
On construction in Judea and Samaria, he explained: “We continue to allow construction for both Jews and Palestinians, and we will approve more construction in the near future according to the assessment of the situation – we will not stop construction.