Israel—Don’t Mess with Us!

June 4, 2008

“The [Israeli] army is in a constant state of alertness. While the waves seem to have made an impact in the media, I’m not sure this is the case on the ground. I don’t think that any of the sides are seeking an armed conflict. All that can be said is that anyone who attempts to attack Israel should bear in mind that the response will be harsh and painful.”

—Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Harel at a briefing in Tel Aviv,
after reports claimed Syria had recruited reserve forces, April 2, 2008

Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi & Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
Photo by Isranet “We shall act against the terrorist organizations and against those who launch the attacks, in accordance with the government’s decision. If anyone believes that by expanding the rocket range, he will be able to reduce the strikes against the terror groups, he is gravely mistaken. It should be made clear that the State of Israel has no intention to stop fighting them even for one moment.

“I don’t recall hearing these people claim that the situation in Israel’s south is unbearable when Israeli civilians were hurt. It needs to be kept in mind that the State of Israel is defending its civilians in the south. No one has the right to preach morals to Israel, which must take the fundamental action of defending its residents against the rocket fire.”

—Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reacting to calls from Hamas and Palestinian Authority leaders on the international community to interfere
and stop the escalation in the Gaza Strip, March 2008

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit: