IDF preparing for Iranian threat
After sending firm messages to Iran following Moscow visit, on Sunday prime minister tells Kadima activists IDF troops already training to face new threats
Attila Somfalvi
Prime Minster Ehud Olmert spoke with a group of 100 Kadima activists at his home in Jerusalem on Sunday and referred to the readiness of the Israel Defense Forces in light of the new dangers faced by Israel, saying that the troops will be trained to face any such threat.
"Our soldiers will be trained to deal with any of the dangers Israel is facing, including the Iranian threat, and we have already begun the work," he said.
Olmert also referred to the achievements which were obtained as a result of the war and said that it will be apparent to all that the accomplishments that the IDF gained are real and important. He also referred to the probe into the war and said that "there will leave no stone unturned, and no warehouse unchecked."
During the past week Olmert expressed his opinion several times regarding the Iranian threat. During his visit to Moscow last week, Olmert told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Israel will not accept a nuclear Iran.
“I made it clear to President Putin that the Iranian issue is at the head of Israel’s concern. We don’t have the privilege of allowing a situation that gives a country like Iran unconventional abilities,” Olmert said. "For us, when a leader of another country says he wants to destroy us, it does not sound like a haphazard statement. This is an issue we must be prepared for and prevent in any way possible."
'Government will live long'
During the flight back from Russia, Olmert said that "I did not threaten Iran, but the clock is ticking. What we did not want to say a year ago, we can say today. Eight months ago we couldn't speak about sanctions, but today they are happening.
"I am the first Prime Minister who says to Iran it should be afraid . It is inconceivable that Iran could not know what it is up against. Otherwise how would it agree on a compromise?" Olmert said.
During the meeting Olmert also spoke about Israel's economic situation and said that for the first time in Israel's history, Israel's balance of payments is positive, and the some of all exports is greater than the sum of all imports.
"Foreign investments in the Israeli market are in the billions and the situation is only getting better," he told the Kadima activists.
At the end of the meeting, Olmert promised that his government will "live long, give the relevant response to the problems of the State of Israel and will know how to deal with the challenges that lie ahead."
IDF preparing for Iranian threat
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