Shaul Mofaz
Shaul MofazFlash 90

Former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz gave a Memorial Day speech at Tel Aviv University on Tuesday.

"We will use any means to ensure that the Israeli society is based on equality, ethics and justice," he said. "We must not lose our morals or our purity of arms, even during the most difficult times. No small number of soldiers and commanders have endangered their own lives, and even injured or killed for the sake of these values. This shows the legitimacy of our path.

"Our rights to this country is unshakable. Our connection to the Land of Israel, in its full meaning, is a connection with our homeland. Our desire to create a democratic and Jewish country is unequivocal, but we cannot do so while subjugating another people! For about 50 years we have ruled another people. This unfortunate and difficult reality is inconsistent with the State of Israel's values and with its national interests. Precisely because we are right, and precisely because we are strong, moral and believe in our path, controlling another people is not our vision!

"It is on us, not only the responsibility for creating this generation but to secure future generations. We must keep in mind the vision of peace and security. There is no security greater than a peace agreement, and we must complete it so that the war will not take away the best and most beautiful flowers of our lives."