Defense Minister Gantz at the Security & Policy Conference convened by the Institute for Policy and Strategy
Defense Minister Gantz revealed at a conference at Reichman University: “Iran attempted to transfer explosives from Syria to terrorists in Judea and Samaria using unmanned aircraft”
Gantz also revealed the location of bases in Chabahar and Qeshm in southern Iran used for attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
In a speech directed at a global audience, the minister of defense presented Iran's modi operandi and the basis of its aspiration to become a global hegemon who would impose its radical ideology on the world. Gantz emphasized Israel’s cooperation and important alliance with the United States and other countries.
On November 23, Defense Minister Benny Gantz spoke at the Security & Policy Conference convened by the Institute for Policy and Strategy, headed by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead, at Reichman University.
In his opening remarks, the minister said, “Israel is not a nation that dwells alone, and the Iranian threat is not just to Israel. Iran aspires to become a regional, and eventually a global, hegemon that will impose its extreme ideology, in which human rights are trampled, LGBT people are hanged, women are excluded, and resources are allocated for the benefit of the regime. The Iranian modus operandi to become a regional hegemon is to take over weak countries like Yemen, which ranks first in the Fragile Countries Index, Syria, which ranks third, Iraq, and Lebanon. The method is clear – first we take Damascus, then we take Berlin.”
Gantz revealed that Iran carries out attacks using explosive-laden UAVs via its proxies as well as from its own territory, and exposed two major bases in the region of Chabahar and the island of Qeshm in southern Iran, from which maritime attacks are carried out and where advanced
Shahed UAVs are located.
Gantz added that “Iran also operates outside of the region, trafficking oil and weapons to Venezuela, mobilizing its Quds Force in South America, and trying to establish its influence in Afghanistan. Iranian terrorism is advanced with the approval of its leader, Khamenei, and under the directive of the regime's top echelon. One of its key tools is its unmanned aerial vehicles, highly accurate weapons that can reach strategic targets that are thousands of kilometers away. Thus, this capability is already endangering Sunni states, international forces in the Middle East, and European and African countries.”
The defense minister later revealed that “In February 2018, Iran launched a Shahed 141 drone from the T-4 air base in Syria, carrying TNT explosives. The UAV was intercepted near Beit She'an and its destination was, to our understanding, terrorists in Judea and Samaria. Iran uses unmanned aerial vehicles not only to attack, but also to carry out weapons transfers to its proxies.”
Speaking about the responsibility of the global community, Gantz said, “The world has many tools at its disposal to act against this threat, and it has to have a Plan B alongside the diplomatic option. We will continue to work in full cooperation with our American friends and with other countries. The world has the tools and there is an interest in stopping Iran, which causes detriment to the economy, foreign policy, security and moral values. There is no doubt that a diplomatic solution is best, but at the same time, there has to be a show of force on the table as well, which means continuing diplomacy through other means. Sometimes using and displaying force can prevent the need to use stronger force. I thank our American friends for the sanctions and actions they have taken recently on this matter, in order to achieve a mutual goal.”
