Benny Gantz: I Will Not Hesitate to Use Force Against Iran if Necessary

Benny Gantz, the main rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming parliamentary elections, stated on Monday, April 5, that he would not hesitate to use force against Iran if necessary. Speaking at the AIPAC conference, he elaborated on his views regarding the prospect of peace with the Palestinians, asserting that the Israeli army would always maintain security control over the West Bank. Referring to his mother's experience as a Holocaust survivor and his son's service in the Israeli army, he said, "Power and moral strength must go hand in hand." This former senior military commander emphasized, "That is why I say from this position to the Iranian regime – never again. We will not allow you to establish a foothold in Syria, we will not allow you to develop nuclear weapons." Gantz asserted that if he comes to power, he will not permit "Iran to become a regional power" and added, "If necessary, I will not hesitate to use force." Israeli media reported that Iran had hacked Netanyahu's rival's phone. Iran and Israel have been in severe hostility for four decades, and in recent years, as Iran's nuclear activities have been in the spotlight, Netanyahu has been at the forefront of opposing this program and intensifying sanctions against Tehran. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran last year, Israel welcomed this decision and focused on countering Iran's military presence in Syria. Gantz, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army from 2011 to 2015, entered politics last year by forming a party called "Israel Resilience." His party quickly allied with the "Yesh Atid" party led by Yair Lapid, changing its name to the "Blue and White" coalition. This coalition is now the strongest rival party against Netanyahu's Likud party, and recent polls indicate it may win more seats in the upcoming April 20 elections. In his speech at the AIPAC conference, Gantz did not present significantly different positions from Netanyahu regarding peace and security. He stated that Jerusalem, which Palestinians also claim, will remain as Israel's "united and eternal capital." Without removing the establishment of a Palestinian state from the agenda, he asserted that the Jordan Valley will "always" be Israel's eastern security border. According to Gantz, "The responsibility for the security of the land of Israel is solely in the hands of the armed forces." He also emphasized that the door for dialogue with the Arab world is open, adding, "We extend our hand for peace to those who seek a new page."