Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met last Thursday with participants in a reserve combat officer course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion - and spoke with them about the security challenges facing Israel in various arenas.
During the meeting, Netanyahu referred to the struggle against Iran and its proxies: "Now we stand against Iran and its proxies. We have prepared for them. It is not over yet, but it depends on our strength.".
According to him, Israel's future depends on continuing to build national and military power. "Where we will be in 30 years depends on our strength. So what we are doing right now is building more power.".
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to increase Israel's security independence, especially in the field of armaments. "I want armaments independence. I greatly appreciate the support we have received, and I have also provided over the years, from our American friends. Today I say: We need our own independent armaments system. We produce our own armaments.".
Video: Omer Miron/ GPO, Sound: Yehezkel Qandil/ GPO
He later noted that the IDF's production, development, and training capabilities must continue to be expanded. "Free ourselves from dependence, build more and more power, introduce more and more technology, train more and more generations of commanders like you - because this is what will ultimately determine where we will be.".
He concluded his remarks with an appeal to the reserve officers: "With God's help and your help, we will be in a good place.".
