Defense Minister: The threat from Syria is growing - despite the rebels' moderate appearance

December 15, 2024   

Defense Minister Israel Katz to members of the Nagel Committee: "Israel must be able to defend itself, on its own, against any threat. The immediate risks to the country have not disappeared and the recent developments in Syria are increasing the intensity of the threat - despite the moderate appearance that the rebel leaders claim to present; "The defense budget must be increased in the face of growing threats." Defense Minister Israel Katz met this morning (Sunday) with members of the 'Nagel Committee' to examine the defense budget and force building, headed by Brigadier General (Res.) Prof. Yaakov Nagel, and with the participation of Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, Brigadier General (Res.) Efi Eitam, Ms. Michal Abadi-Boyanjo, Col. (Res.) Avital Dreilinger, Kobi Haber, Liora Tushinsky, Col. (Res.) Talia Lankari, Col. (Res.) Amikam Norkin, Prof. Idit Solberg, and Lt. Gen. (Res.) Mehran Prozenfar. During the meeting, the Minister of Defense thanked the committee members for their important work, and later reviewed with them the many threats and challenges that the State of Israel faces - with an emphasis on the war that Israel is waging on seven fronts against the axis of evil led by Iran. Defense Minister Katz detailed to the committee members the 3 central principles of the State of Israel's security policy - according to which the defense budget must be increased in the face of the escalating threats: 1. Act against any threat of destruction to the State of Israel. 2. Israel will not ask anyone to fight in its place. 3. Israel must be able to defend itself on its own against any threat, with the backing and support of the United States. Defense Minister Israel Katz: "Israel must be able to defend itself, on its own, against any threat. The immediate risks to the country have not disappeared, and the latest developments in Syria are increasing the intensity of the threat - despite the moderate appearance that the rebel leaders claim to present." He added: "Israel is in the midst of a historic campaign for its security and the future of the region, with the threats being diverse and spreading across all sectors: in the north, south and east. In order to win on all fronts and maintain our military superiority, the defense budget must be increased. We will work to ensure that the IDF and the defense establishment have all the resources necessary to deal with the many challenges, strengthen our strength and establish Israel's position as a regional power. "The security of the State of Israel will remain the top national priority, and we will do everything necessary to secure our future.".