Those who seek to arm Israel's enemies will know that we can reach anywhere, at any time, and through any means to thwart their plans, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said at the Knesset on Tuesday, two days after foreign press reports said Israel launched air strikes on targets in Syria.
"We will not compromise on this, and we will not allow the crossing of red lines that will endanger Israel's security," Ya'alon said.
Speaking to IDF veterans and civilians injured by terrorism to mark a day held to honor them, Ya'alon praised the audience members for their personal struggle to return to an active life.
"This year too, we have lost, to our heart's sorrow, sons and daughters in Operation Protective Edge. This is the place to send out a supporting and loving hug to bereaved families, including those hit by terrorist actions that horrify the heart and soul," he said.
"This year too, we find ourselves dealing with extremist Islamic terrorism that exists in every corner of the disintegrating Middle East," Ya'alon said. "It seeks to kills us merely because of who we are. Relentless terrorism that is activated by cruel organizations that will use any means and do everything to try and disrupt our lives here."
"But Israel will not be deterred. We will know how to cut off these malicious intentions of our enemies. Those who try to harm our civilians and disrupt our lives will pay a heavy price," the defense minister warned.
Israel is a peace-seeking nation that desires life, Ya'alon continued.
"We do not want war, but to continue a thriving life. We continue to build a flowering country," he said.
"As we do this, we receive great emotional strength from the model of human bravery that each and every one of you presents," Ya'alon told members of the audience.