Netanyahu: 'Iranian Empire' is Reviving

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the 'Iranian Empire' is reviving. He made these remarks on Monday, February 15, during a ceremony marking the end of General Benny Gantz's four-year term as Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army at the Ministry of Defense. The ceremony was broadcast live by Israeli media. In this event, General Gadi Eisenkot began his work as the new Chief of Staff; he was appointed to this position about three months ago. Netanyahu emphasized the 'great dangers lurking for Israel in the chaotic Middle East,' highlighting the threat posed by what he referred to as the advancing 'Iranian Empire' in the region. According to Netanyahu, Iran currently dominates several important countries and areas of influence in the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and has recently strengthened its foothold in Yemen. He spoke of the presence of two thousand Hezbollah fighters in southern Syria, turning this part of Syria into a new front for 'aggression against Israel.' Netanyahu also referred to the strengthening of Iranian influence and its allies in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a threat to the region. The Prime Minister noted that the past four years, which have seen significant changes in the Middle East, have posed many challenges for Israel, but difficult years still lie ahead. He stated that the Middle East is a place where the weak are trampled, and therefore one must be strong. Additionally, according to the Jerusalem Post, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon stated that Iran's nuclear program remains the biggest challenge for Israel. Ya'alon claimed that global powers involved in negotiations with Iran have two options: either sign a 'bad' agreement or announce no agreement at all. He asserted that the Iranian government sees itself as having a divine mission, and thus, its 'ambitions' are viewed by Tehran's rulers as having a divine mandate. General Eisenkot vowed at the ceremony to confront any challenge posed to Israel. Observers in Israel noted that although General Eisenkot has a reputation for using decisive military tactics against Hezbollah and Hamas, he has previously opposed the idea of a military strike by Israel on Iranian nuclear sites, deeming it to have severe consequences for Israel. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu reluctantly accepted Eisenkot's appointment as Chief of Staff, having to concede to the joint request of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and General Benny Gantz. Meanwhile, in his farewell speech, Gantz quoted Amos Oz, a leftist Israeli writer and a staunch critic of Netanyahu, as a way of emphasizing the necessity of 'humanity' in life. Gantz added that the Middle East does not only need a military commander.