PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Air Force Flight Academy Graduation Ceremony
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Thursday, 27 December
2012), at Hatzerim Air Base, at the Air Force Flight Academy graduation
ceremony in which new pilots received their wings, made the following
remarks:

"We all see what is happening in Syria. The Syrian Air Force has attacked
hundreds of Syrian civilians and they do not hesitate to use any means.
Israel is monitoring developments in Syria and will do its utmost against
this threat and against all threats. Pilots, today you become part of the
long arm of the State of Israel. We have greatly strengthened the muscles in
this arm. Israel's hand is extended in peace to those who seek peace, and to
those who threaten us – they should know that our long arm will strike
forcefully in order to defend the State of Israel."