Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Iran has not renounced its intention to acquire nuclear weapons, and called on Israelis to unite in the face of security threats. He made these remarks on November 8 at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem during a memorial ceremony for soldiers fallen in the 1956 Suez War, reports The Times of Israel.
"Iran strives to resume efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, while simultaneously undertaking other serious measures that pose a real threat to the State of Israel. We cannot reconcile ourselves with these threats," Katz stated.
According to the minister, Israel must be prepared for any development of events and act as necessary to protect its citizens.
"To resolve the important challenges still before us, we must be united," he emphasized.
Katz added that Israel's adversaries must understand that despite internal disagreements, the country is capable of rallying in the face of threats to its existence.
"Now is the time for unity, responsibility, and mutual solidarity," the minister said.
Katz's call came amid political uncertainty in Israel. The minister represents the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The day before, Netanyahu had addressed the parties of the so-called Change Alliance, headed by "Yashar" party president Gadi Eisenkot, proposing to form a national unity government.
At the same time, Netanyahu insisted that his allies—the far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties—should also be included in that government.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog was scheduled to officially task Eisenkot with forming a new government on November 8. Thus, Katz's statements about the necessity of national unity came at a moment when the country's political forces were discussing a possible change in government.
