Speaking at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Herzog drew lessons from Operation Kadesh, Israel’s military campaign in the Sinai Peninsula, emphasizing that battlefield success alone cannot guarantee long-term security.
“The moves that led to the Sinai campaign taught us that the decisive victory on the battlefield, as important as it may be, is not the end of the matter. That even after the rifles fall silent, leadership is required. Responsibility. And the ability to translate military achievements into a better political and security reality is required.”
Herzog also urged Israelis to maintain national unity despite internal disagreements.
“Today as well, alongside military strength, great responsibility is required of us for Israel’s future. Our national resilience is not tested only by our ability to stand against our enemies. It is also tested by our ability to stand side by side with one another.”
Katz focused on the Iranian nuclear threat, warning that Tehran’s ambitions continued to endanger Israel.
“Iran is seeking to renew its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, alongside other serious efforts that pose a real danger to the State of Israel. We cannot accept these threats,” he said.
“It is our duty to be prepared for every scenario and to act as necessary to protect Israeli citizens. Ahead of the major missions still before us, we must be united,” Katz added.
He warned that Israel’s adversaries “need to know that even when we have disagreements among ourselves, we stand together, determined and united, against those who threaten our existence.”
Operation Kadesh began October 29, 1956, with Israel’s invasion of the Sinai Peninsula, coordinated with secret British and French backing. Israeli forces captured the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip during the campaign, aimed at ending border raids and reopening the Straits of Tiran.
The annual commemoration takes place at Mount Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery.
Source: Iwpost.com
