Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi
Sunday, January 20th 2998
8th Herzliya Conference Lecture Summary
www.herzliyaconference.org/Eng/_Articles/Article.asp?ArticleID=1970&CategoryID=248

About a year before the establishment of the State, Ben-Gurion held a long
seminar in order to learn the challenges that would stand before the
oncoming nation. He came to the understanding that the conflicts between the
Jews and their neighbors would not be like those in the past. Ben-Gurion
turned to the Hagana commanders and said, "I know that I say very difficult
things, but in my heart my conclusions are even harder because the front is
becoming more and more serious."

A current analysis from the last era provides a similar image to that which
was seen by Ben-Gurion. The IDF must be prepared for any matter, and it is
prepared and ready to defend the citizens of Israel, her sovereignty and her
integrity. Only when these receive a proper response can there be a valid
agreement. Today the IDF has to deal with armies that possess weapons of
mass destruction, militias and strong and well established organizations.

The threat against the home front increases and by doing so it becomes an
integral part of the front. This is the result of a calculated effort by the
enemy to bring the hinterland closer to the front.

The development of rockets and Qassams are the direct result of the fact
that every face to face conflict ends with IDF supremacy.

The serene daily routine of most Israelis is not granted to the residents of
Sderot and the settlements around the Gaza strip, but every night and day
actions are taking place in order to minimize as much as possible the Qassam
and rocket fire. Despite this, the response is not complete and IDF expends
great resources to provide it.

I roam the field and I am attentive to our troops, to the way and the
activity. As Chief of Staff I am both happy and proud to say that whoever
has claimed that a generation is disappearing is wrong. Our soldiers are
motivated by the righteousness of our way, great willingness to fight, and
courage.

Residents of Sderot and the settlements surrounding Gaza, you strengthen us
and we will do everything in order to restore the tranquility to your area.
In the end the goal will be achieved. I promise to act responsibly and
carefully.

Another process which is taking place in our region is Iran. The reality of
a nuclear Iran is one which we can not tolerate. The Tefen Plan is one that
forebodes rebuilding and strengthening of IDF.

I am frequently asked, must we forever endure the sword? My answer is that
in order to guarantee the State of Israel we must establish the IDF as a
strong and advanced army, and in order to do so the IDF needs the backing of
the Israeli society. The IDF's power and strength alone will ensure peace.

The IDF is the people's army. Each generation has contributed in turn and I
believe that is still the mission of the generation, I know that there is no
son who feels less committed than his grandfather, and I know they are
driven by the will to contribute. Those who were awarded decorations during
the war will be testimony to that. Those and the soldiers in the field, and
pilots who watch over us from the sky and those who sit along-side the
borders.

A concerning issue is the erosion in IDF enlistment. We need the people of
Israel just as the people need the IDF. Especially now we are committed to
fight for every enlisted man and woman, especially the combat bound. As part
of this approach, more and more positions are becoming available to women as
well as minorities and new immigrants. The maximal emphasis must be placed
on every soldier. Even today the IDF constitutes for many the final junction
for education and values.

The society must educate towards the service and I bless the public
discourse which goes on today and encourages the enlistment into the IDF and
rejects draft-dodging. Only with the help of the Israeli society can we
return back to the origins. The society's recognition of its fighters will
encourage them to walk proudly with their heads high bearing their beret in
their shoulder strap.

The regular and reserve combat soldiers have great value. The reserve
soldiers strengthen the military and we will continue to call upon them, to
train them and properly prepare them. Together we will continue to assist
those who are willing to leave their homes and schools and jobs. The late
Ehud Ephraty, a fighter in the paratroopers who perished last October had
never once missed a day of reserve duty and is an example of true virtue.

We will continue to support the families of fallen soldiers; we will
continue to be a warm shoulder to them and give support to our wounded, and
we will continue to work towards the retrieval of our captive sons.