IDF Chief of Staff: Covert Ops, War Readiness Up

Israeli Chief of Staff Major General Benny Gantz has ordered Israel Defense Force soldiers to ramp up their covert operations in enemy countries, according to an interview published in Israel’s Yediot Ahronot newspaper.

“You almost won’t find a point in time where something isn’t happening somewhere in the world,” the Associated Press quoted him as saying. “I am escalating all those special operations.”

Gantz also stressed the critical nature of dealing with the Iranian nuclear program in 2012. "In principle, we are ready to act,” Gantz told Yediot Ahronot, ahead of Israel’s 64^th Independence Day. "We are preparing our plan accordingly."

Gantz called the possibility of Israel entering into war “higher than in the past” due to regional instability,” but also said there are no indications that any war is imminent.  And while Gantz believes a future war would involve missiles falling in Israel, “I don’t advise anyone to test us on this front,” he said.

"When (Hezbollah leader Hassan) Nasrallah comes out of his bunker, he’s concerned – and rightfully so,” Gantz said.  He saw what happened to Lebanon last time, and it won’t be close to what will happen to Lebanon next time.”