Israel is preparing for escalation, Gallant tells new soldiers

Israel is preparing for escalation, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday told new soldiers who enlisted in the Kfir and Nahal Brigades.

"Our enemies from Iran and Hezbollah are threatening to harm us in ways they haven't attempted before, but those who try will face a response from us like never before. We have significant capabilities, and I hope they will reconsider and not trigger a war on additional fronts," Gallant said.

He also added, "I hope they will carefully consider their actions and avoid causing us to do things that would lead to significant harm and increase the likelihood of a war breaking out on additional fronts. These are things we do not want, but we must be prepared for them as they could happen."

Visit to the Netavim Airbase

At the Netavim Airbase, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram said during a visit, "The capabilities of the Israeli air force's advanced reconnaissance aircraft highlight the significance and importance of creating a qualitative advantage over the enemy, especially when they are combined with the other capabilities available in the Israeli air force," the IDF reported.

He added, "The IDF continues to maintain high readiness for various operational scenarios and will work to address gaps while rapidly implementing lessons learned from both near and distant fronts."

During the visit, Baram received an operational briefing on the activities at the airbase and was updated on the readiness for continued fighting. He also observed the process of receiving ammunition supplies from the United States and the preparations for receiving additional weaponry. 

Also at the airbase, Baram joined a flight on one of the reconnaissance planes in Squadron 122.