Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday that Israel wants peace, but added: "Let everyone know – the IDF and the security establishment are following, watching and ready for any challenge and any test that may be thrust upon us."

Barak added: "As the state marks its 60th birthday there are still elements who do not accept our existence here as an established fact. We must not rest upon our laurels. These days, one eye is following and watching what is happening in Gaza, a second eye is watching the events in Lebanon and Syria, and both of them, of course are watching developments in Iran."

Barak spoke at a ceremony at the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum marking the anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe in World War II.