A storm is brewing underneath the seeming quiet, night and day and on every front," Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz told reporters during a tour of the Golan Heights on Sunday. Commenting on the nuclear negotiations that world powers are conducting with Iran, Gantz said "a nuclear Iran is dangerous for the world, the region and Israel -- in that order. I hope that international pressure on Iran will continue in a way that keeps Iran from renewing its military nuclear program." Gantz said the ongoing transfer of weapons from Syria to Lebanon was "not a good thing" and was a "sensitive topic," adding that things "could happen" from time to time, a possible reference to Israeli military action to prevent such transfers. Gantz called the situation in Syria a "tragic event, with hundred of civilians being killed every week, simply for being Syrian citizens." From Israel's side of the border, Gantz continued, "we try to do whatever we can with humanitarian aid, while remaining vigilant and prepared." In the Gaza Strip, "Hamas and the other organizations are continually building up their strength. They are becoming stronger and we are becoming more prepared." Another IDF official said that while there is potential for an "escalation in the security reality" in Judea and Samaria, regardless of how the peace talks with the Palestinians progress, this does not mean there will be a "third intifada." Meanwhile, as the conflict in Syria continues, Arab news agencies reported that secular opposition organizations are not only fighting against President Bashar Assad and his allies Hezbollah and Iran, but also against extremist Islamic jihadists. In a car bomb explosion on Sunday in the northwestern Syrian town of Atma, near the border with Turkey, 15 people were killed and dozens wounded. The Global Research website reported that Abdul-Ilah al-Bashir, the new commander of the Free Syrian Army, received training in Israel. According to the report, al-Bashir came to Israel last year for medical treatment after being wounded in fighting in Syria.
Credit: Ofer Freiman
"There is no front where Iran is not involved, handing out torches to pyromaniacs, with munitions and rockets. These are tense times. Quiet, but tense."
