Gantz says Israel ready for military action against Iran, if necessary
Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid champion diplomatic efforts against what they consider Iranian terror acts at sea.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz conducted a briefing on Iran for ambassadors of countries that are members of the UN Security Council on Aug. 4. Addressing the ambassadors, Gantz referred to the July 29 drone attack on the Israeli-managed oil tanker Mercer Street, claiming Israel knows the identity of the person specifically responsible for the assault.
"Saeed Ara Jani is the head of the IRGC’s UAV Command," Gantz said in reference to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' command for unmanned aerial vehicles. "The UAV command conducted the attack on Mercer Street. Saeed Ara Jani plans and provides the training and equipment needed to conduct terror attacks in the region. He is joined by commander of the IRGC’s air force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, in spreading terror across the Middle East.’’
Gantz also said, ‘’I emphasized to my international friends that now is the time for deeds — words are not enough. It is time for diplomatic, economic and even military deeds — otherwise the attacks will continue.’’ At the same meeting, Gantz warned that Iran is a mere 10 weeks away from achieving nuclear-bomb-material.
Lapid also referred to the maritime incident, and tweeted after the meeting, "It is not a conflict between armies in Syria. This is not a covert operation against a military facility. This is an attack on the world's trade routes, this is an attack on freedom of movement. This is an international crime. The world needs to act now.’’
