The IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi has warned that the nation’s enemies exceed its borders.
During an annual ceremony to commend exemplary military units, General Kochavi highlighted that “the IDF is one of the most active militaries in the world.”
“It operates day and night on multiple fronts which have recently expanded,” said the IDF Chief. He then stressed that “the number of enemies far outnumbers the number of fronts” defended by the nation’s army.
While elaborating on the security threats confronting the country, the top Israeli general again cautioned against Iran’s sustained campaign to expand its military presence in the immediate northern vicinity. “Iranian arms are going deeper into Syria and Lebanon,” he emphasized, in violation of Jerusalem’s declared red line.
Kochavi’s comments follow the official visit over the weekend by his deputy, Maj.-Gen. Eyal Zamir to the United States, where he held extensive meetings with senior official from the U.S. military and the Department of Defense. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit reported “a range of strategic and operational issues were discussed, including the efforts to counter Iranian actions in the region.”
While no additional details on the high-level talks were provided by official channels, a senior Pentagon source told TV7 that “Iranian aggressive behavior on a regional and global scale have reinforced the need to challenge its activities by all means available.” Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source further emphasized that “the United States and Israel will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against the radical Islamic regime in Tehran and its evil aspirations.”