Gantz: Tehran of today poses a strategic threat to the world

Defense Minister Benny Gantz has just completed delivery of a joint statement with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whom he is hosting on a two-day visit to Israel. Austin was welcomed this morning with a Guard of Honor at the Israeli Defense Ministry, after which he proceeded to professional meetings with the Defense Minister, who was joined by Director General of the Defense Ministry, Gen. Amir Eshel, and Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Aviv Kochavi and other senior defense officials.

In his remarks, Gantz said: “I emphasized to Secretary Austin, that Israel views the United States a full partner across all operational theaters, not the least- Iran. The Tehran of today poses a strategic threat to international security, to the entire Middle East, and, to the State of Israel. And we will work closely with our American allies, to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interests of the world and the United States, prevent a dangerous arms race in our region and protect the State of Israel.”

Relating to the recent ICC decision, he said: “In both the Israel Defense Forces and the American Armed Forces, the same values and basic human decency compel our moral standards in action. To our enemies trying to use our own morality against us, and to the cynical attempts to abuse the ICC, I say: you will not succeed in preventing us from fulfilling our duty. We will never neglect our moral obligation to defend human lives and to remain humane as we do so.”

Gantz thanked Secretary Austin for the unwavering support of the United States, and said:* “After a year which shook the world to its core,

I find great comfort in the assurance of our people’s unbreakable bond, and in the knowledge that both in the US and in Israel, forces of good act to promote unity, solidarity and diversity.”

Minister Gantz and Secretaty Austin will have lunch together and resume meetings with their teams later today. Tomorrow, the two will visit Nevatim Israeli Air Force Base, southeast of Be’er Sheva, followed by visits to Yad Vashem and the National Hall for Israel’s Fallen on Har Herzl.