‘IRAN THE GREATEST THREAT TO ISRAELI SECURITY’:

Amos Gilad, Director of the Defense Ministry’s Political-Military Affairs Department, spoke on Wed. 15 June at the 2016 Herzliya Conference, warning that the Iranian regime represented the greatest threat to Israel’s security. In his address, Gilad rejected calls for efforts to spread democracy in the Middle East, arguing instead that for the moment, stability must be the priority. "We need to emphasize stability over ideas about bringing democracy to the region,” said Gilad. "You can’t force your culture onto other peoples." Gilad also pointed out that while Iran currently represents the greatest security threat for Israel, the danger posed by the Shi’ite regime could grow significantly. Rather than move towards regional reconciliation, says Gilad, Iran has used the nuclear deal to fund a massive expansion of its missile program. "Under the cover of the deal they’re developing surface-to-surface missile capabilities in Iran and Hezbollah controlled territory in Lebanon. In Lebanon there are now more than 100,000 rockets pointed towards Israel. They’ve identified that front with Israel as a vulnerable point.” (Arutz-7)