Ya’alon urges world to thwart Iranian aspirations

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon speaks at a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Massuah Institute, urging world leaders to draw lessons from the past and not underestimate Iran’s intentions to destroy the Jewish state.

“Seventy years later, and a few thousand kilometers away from here there is a blood-thirsty state, dripping with hostility, which calls openly and without fear to wipe Israel off the map,” Ya’alon says.

“The Iranian regime, which aims to establish a new world order, never stopped attempting to develop nuclear weapons and will not hesitate to carry out its schemes if only it had the option. Seventy years later, and the world allows this regime to enter through the front door of the family of nations, instead of learning from the past and condemning it and its ways.”

“I say this to our greatest friends in the world’s as well, it is not too late to lead this regime where they will not have a choice, and will be forced to give up their plans.”

Ya’alon goes on to address the Palestinian issue, stressing that Israel is fully prepared to achieve peace with its neighbors.

“Our hands are outstretched for peace to our Palestinian neighbors and to nations in the region, and I say it loud and clear, your hand will not hang in the air as it extends for peace. But know that we will not allow anyone to deceive us and hurt us.”