We are preparing for all challenges. As I mentioned last night, we are in
the midst of an operational (security) campaign that has
yet come to an end. And during a sensitive security
period, it is irresponsible to topple the government.
Whether our decide to topple the not, we will continue
to act, to assure the security of our country and our citizens.
During a phone conversation on Friday I clarified to the Prime
Minister that I do not, in any way, present him with an ultimatum
and I accepted with great appreciation his statement
that he sees me as a worthy candidate for the position
of Defense Minister. In practice, however, Netanyahu
- due to his own reasons - decided to take the job for himself.
In his speech Netanyahu promised the Israeli public to change course,
to lead a revolution in (national) security, to steer a 10-year
course in a direction of power.
If the Prime Minister is serious about his intentions, and I would like
to believe his words last night, therefore I am telling the Prime
Minister, we are removing all of our political demands at this moment
and we will stand ready to assist you in this tremendous task.
That Israel will get back to winning. I presume I will pay a certain political
cost in the coming hours and days. Never mind, we will get over it.
It is better for the Prime Minister to win over me in a political
battle then Haniyeh to win over the state of Israel.
Today I assume, for the first time, the position of Defense Minister.
I know that I assume this role amid criticism on Israel's defense policy.
I want to tell you, citizens of Israel, I understand your hearts.
A significant portion of the criticism emanates from the fact that
for understandable reasons we cannot present
you with the broad picture that is viewed by the (IDF) Chief of Staff,
IDF Generals, the ISA and Mossad Directors and me, too.
We cannot simply present it. That is why you can only view
a partial image of a broad operational campaign,
which is still evolving, and that I am committed to
complete ― to provide security to Israel's residents
in the south and elsewhere.
In my experience I tell you that we are standing in one of
the most complex security periods. And in a time as this you do
not topple a government. At a time as this you do
not go to elections. It’s irresponsible.
We have an entire year until the elections.
We are in the midst of a campaign and in the midst
of a campaign you do not flee. In the midst of a campaign
you do not play politics. Israel’s security is above
politics it is above personal interests.