Posted on 05/26/21
President Rivlin:
“Terrorist organizations on all fronts should understand: anyone opening fire on our citizens will be dealt a grievous blow. We are strong and will continue to use the force at our disposal, with determination and responsibly and as much as required, to ensure the security of the citizens of the State of Israel.”
President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin delivered remarks this evening, Wednesday 26 May / 15 Sivan, at the memorial ceremony for the fallen of the First Lebanon War, held at the Hall of Remembrance at Har Herzl. Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and representatives of the bereaved families also participated in the ceremony.
At the beginning of his remarks, the president said, “Operation Peace for Galilee was a war to protect the communities of the north and the Galilee. It was a just, necessary war by a sovereign state in defense of its citizens. A war for life, for normality, in the fields, roads and homes. It was a war that sought to bring an end to many long years during which the lives of the people of the north and along the border – children, women, old people and men – were under constant threat of the missiles and katyushas of the terrorist organizations. It was a war of no choice!”
He continued, “We are still in the aftershocks of Operation Guardian of the Walls. Terrorist organizations on all fronts should understand: anyone opening fire on our citizens will be dealt a grievous blow. We are strong and will continue to use the force at our disposal, with determination and responsibly and as much as required, to ensure the security of the citizens of the State of Israel. We are not looking for war, we do not seek conflict. We will do everything possible to avoid war. And yet, we will not tolerate any threat to the lives of Israel’s people. Not in the south and not in the north. We will hit terror cells, operatives and their masterminds, just as we did 39 years ago, and into the future until we silence them.”
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“You paid the greatest price,” said the president to the bereaved families. “There is no succor for your pain. In a few weeks, I will conclude my term of office as President of the State of Israel. I began my presidency during Operation Protective Edge. My baptism of fire as president was visiting the families of the fallen. I bowed my head to them and promised to be their and your soldier. Everyone’s. The families of the fallen. That is what I did, and that is what I will do in the future, too. Even though I am completing my term, I am not signing off. For as long as I live, I will have you in my heart and will work on your behalf. I do not forget, either, those injured physically or mentally, and the MIAs of the First Lebanon War, and others missing who have yet to return to us. We must continue to do everything in order to bring them back. May the memories of our fallen sons and daughters be engraved in our hearts forever.”