Avigdor Liberman
Avigdor LibermanFlash 90

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman spoke today, Wednesday, to graduates of the officer’s training course in southern Israel, noting the looming security threats that Israel must address, and emphasizing that "the greatest challenge is the Iranian attempt to grip us in a stranglehold.”

“We will not hesitate for an instant to prevent the Iranians from creating a stranglehold,” Liberman asserted, according to Channel 2. “Even with our own forces, if other attempts prove unsuccessful.”

Liberman explained how Iran was attempting to gain influence in the region through various terror groups. “Iran built up Hezbollah for many years,” he explained. “Then, Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and now, they are taking control of Hamas. Just a few days ago we saw the delegation of Hamas officials [...] visiting Iran.”

Likewise, Liberman addressed Iranian attempts to gain influence in Syria. “Also what is happening in Syria, led by Iran, is part of this same stranglehold,” he said. “They are attempting to establish a sea port, a military airport, bases for militias of Shiite mercenaries from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.”

“All this is part of that same malicious effort directed at us.”