IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin “Benny” Gantz toured the Golan Heights, where he discussed Iran’s involvement in creating tension in the region, and the steps the IDF has taken to ensure stability.

“Iran is handing out torches to the pyromaniacs by giving them weapons, missiles and by joining them in fighting. We are facing tension in every area. [The situation] seems quiet but in fact it is pressured on daily basis,” IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin “Benny” Gantz said. The Chief of Staff was touring the Golan Heights with commander of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan.

“Right now we’re in the Golan Heights and it seems quiet and peaceful. I suggest that everyone keeps in mind that underneath this quiet, a storm is brewing — day, night and in every setting,” said Lt. Gen. Gantz.

“The IDF has adapted itself to face this reality in a number of ways. Right now we are in the Golan Heights with a new division that only recently set up base here. We have very advanced abilities to deal with the security challenges in this region. This comes alongside improving response at the operational level, and acting speedily in every sphere: air, sea, ground, intelligence and all the support systems that work with them. Overall, we have taken very significant steps.”

Lt. Gen. Gantz touring the north on February 23, 2014

During the tour, Lt. Gen. Gantz addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip. “It is possible to develop [weapons] with nothing more than raw materials and production capacity, and threaten the heart of the country. Terror organizations are becoming stronger — and we are preparing ourselves more. If Hamas decides to act [against us], it will be a decision they will regret.”

During the tour, Lt. Gen. Ganz also discussed the Draft Equality Law that was recently approved in the Knesset and said that he presented the IDF’s requirements to the commission in full. “Decisions are made at the political level.  We made our recommendations and the political sphere takes it and makes their decisions. That’s life in a democratic country. When all is said and done, we will see what really happens from our perspective. We made certain things very clear,” he said.