Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) on Thursday began two official visits to Greece and Cyprus, starting in Athens.
Minister Gallant was hosted by his Greek counterpart, Minister of Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos at the Hellenic Ministry of Defense.
The Minister was greeted in a celebratory ceremony, after which a series of professional discussions were held. Following the dialogue, the two ministers delivered statements to the press.
In his remarks, Gallant emphasized the strength of the bilateral ties between Israel and Greece. He also addressed recent security events in Israel and the threat of Iranian regional aggression, as well as the progress in its nuclear program.
“Intelligence cooperation between Israel and Greece received public attention last month, with the arrest of two terrorists sent by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to attack Israeli targets in Greece. This is not the only attack that was prevented. In fact, Iran has launched a global terror campaign, under the direct command of its leader,” Gallant said.
Addressing the recent wave of rocket launches from Gaza, he added, “This week, Palestinian terror organizations have tried to challenge Israel. They are launching rockets at innocent civilians. My message to them: Do not misjudge the strength, and unity of our nation.“
Regarding Iranian entrenchment in Syria, Gallant said, “Over the past six months, Iran has sent aircraft to Syria on a weekly basis, delivering weapons to be used for terrorism.”
He added: “The Syrian regime should be aware that the IDF will respond forcefully to any attacks launched from its territory. We will not allow Iran to establish military power in Syria, or to build a highway for the delivery of advanced weapons to Lebanon.”
Stressing the Iranian threat, Minister Gallant said: “While one Iranian arm spreads weapons and proxies, the other continues its program to obtain nuclear military capabilities. And make no mistake – Iran will not be satisfied by a single nuclear bomb. So far, Iran has gained material enriched to 20% and 60% for five nuclear bombs.”
“Iranian progress, and enrichment to 90%, would be a grave mistake on Iran’s part, and could ignite the region,” he warned in conclusion.