Israel has again demanded that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately remove its military forces from Syria.
Speaking at the annual ceremony for graduates of the Air Force pilots course, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there are “three main challenges” which the IDF will forcefully take action against “without respite” to ensure national security.
“First, we are taking constant action against the efforts of Iran and its proxies to entrench militarily in Syria,” he said, stressing that “the Iranian military must leave Syria.”
“Second, we are taking action against the efforts of our enemies to develop precision missiles in Syria, Lebanon and other areas,” said the Israeli leader, going on to say that, “Third, and most importantly – we will not allow Iran to attain nuclear weapons.”
The Israeli Premier also seized the opportunity to reiterate the severity of Tehran’s nuclear-related aspirations, as well as international acknowledgement of the matter. “Iran is continuing to lie to the international community in its effort to achieve a bomb. I have been claiming this for years and today the International Atomic Energy Agency (the IAEA) understands this. Two weeks ago, the IAEA reported that Iran is stepping up the pace of its uranium enrichment and, in effect, is continuing to violate the (JCPOA) nuclear agreement with the major powers.”
And while Iran and its regional proxies steadfastly express intent to annihilate the Jewish State; Netanyahu emphasized the dangers posed to those who try to attack Israel. “We regard with utmost seriousness the threats of destruction against Israel by Iranian and pro-Iranian elements. And especially here, at the pilots’ course graduation ceremony, I reiterate: Whoever tries to attack us places himself in very great danger, seven-fold. Our struggle against Iranian aggression in the region is designed – first and foremost – to defend ourselves, to defend the State of Israel. However, this struggle, this effort, serves the interest of stability in and for the entire region.”
Switching focus, the Israeli leader went on to announce a historic arrangement that has been reached with the United Arab Emirates in efforts to combat COVID-19, even though Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem do not maintain official diplomatic relations. Netanyahu said Israel’s ability to act against the pandemic has created new opportunities “with certain countries,” as he revealed that joint-plans with the UAE in technology, research and development that “could improve the health security of the entire region.”
“This is the result of continuous and intensive contacts over the past few months,” he added, saying “It will be a blessing for many in our region.”
The Health Ministry’s Director General later published a statement in which it was officially announced that “Businesses from the private sector of the United Arab Emirates will sign with Israeli businesses agreements for the purpose of developing research pertaining to the fight against the corona (contagion).”
The statement further highlighted that “Cooperation in the fields of health of science bridges over historic political challenges in the region, as part of a reality in which humanitarian endeavors are prioritized for the purpose of finding a solution for the corona pandemic.”