‘Israel faces unprecedented threat, is ready to respond in unprecedented manner,’ DM Gallant tells new IDF recruits

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the Tel Hashomer military recruitment base on Sunday afternoon, where he was briefed by senior IDF officials on the latest recruitment data. 

Following that briefing, Gallant held a discussion with new recruits being drafted to the IDF's Nahal and Kfir Infantry Brigades and toured the military base. 

In a conversation with the soldiers, Gallant spoke about the complex security situation, saying that Israel is fighting an existential war on seven fronts due to Iranian aggression. 

“It must be made clear that the State of Israel is fighting for its existence within a hostile environment,” the defense minister said. “We have been at war for 10 months on 7 different fronts. The key to our security is our people.” 

Gallant said the recruits “are entering [the IDF] during a challenging and significant time.” 

“Our enemies threaten to harm us in ways they have not done before. We hear these messages coming from the direction of Iran and Hezbollah,” he said.

He also said that Israel is prepared to respond. 

“Whoever harms us in a way that has not been done in the past, is likely to be hit in a way that hasn’t been done in the past. The IDF has significant capabilities.” 

Gallant told the recruits he hopes the Iranian regime and Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon rethink their plans, but emphasized the IDF must be prepared for all scenarios. 

“I hope that they will think this through and won’t get to a point where they will force us to cause significant damage and increase the chances of war breaking out on additional fronts. We do not want this, but we must be prepared.” 

Israel has the right to defend itself, Gallant said, adding that he hopes there will be “calm and stability,” but warned that “nothing is certain.” 

“You have, and we have the right to defend ourselves on our own,” Gallant told the recruits.

“I hope that the IDF’s actions will lead to the achievement of our goals and to instating calm and stability – but this is not guaranteed. Nothing is certain, and therefore we must be prepared for a more complex reality, even if it is not what we desire. We must be ready for it.” 

Later Sunday evening, Gallant spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, informing him that surveillance of Iranian military preparations indicates Iran is preparing for a significant attack against Israel in the coming days. 

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid claimed the attack could even come before the renewed hostage negotiations scheduled for Thursday.