Former IDF Chief: Discord in Israeli Society, Not Iran, Is Greatest Threat to Israel

Benny Gantz says although Israel must maintain military edge, it needn't worry about Iran and can defend itself.

Sep 26, 2015

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz called on the residents of the communities adjoining the Gaza Strip border to return home.Credit: Shay Wagner / IDF

Gili Cohen

Sep 26, 2015

Former IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Benny Gantz said on Friday that although a better deal could have been reached with Iran, the fact that its nuclear program will be delayed by 10-15 years "is a good thing."

Speaking in Washington at a memorial to former Haaretz journalist and military analyst Ze'ev Schiff, Gantz added that intelligence gathering on Iran's existing sites will only intensify as the deal is implemented.Gantz said Israel must maintain its military edge in the region, but added that there is no reason to worry as "Israel is strong and secure and knows how to defend itself."

According to the former army chief, Iran is not Israel's main problem, but a global problem first and foremost, then a regional one, "and only then an Israeli problem." The biggest, most important challenges facing Israel are the gaps and discord in Israeli society, he said.

Gantz also touched on the growing Russian presence in Syria, saying that it's hard to establish at this point what Russia's strategic goals are. The Kremlin itself, he said, may not be sure.