The visit was intended to counter attacks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud leaders who have tried to paint Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid, Moshe Ya'alon and Gabi Ashkenazi as left-wing.
By GIL HOFFMANFrom Left to Right: Blue and White politicians Gabi Ashkenazi, Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz and Moshe Ya'alon in the Golan Heights.(photo credit: TELEM PARTY PR)
Leaders of the new Blue and White party visited the Golan Heights on Monday and promised never to give it up.The visit was intended to counter attacks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud leaders who have tried to paint Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid, Moshe Ya'alon and Gabi Ashkenazi as left-wing.Gantz blamed Netanyahu for the continued Iranian presence over the Syrian border and noted that he, Ya'alon and Ashkenazi had all fought for the Golan in the IDF.“We are witnessing a growing Iranian front being established here," Gantz lamented. "Much like in Gaza and Lebanon, there are substantial threats we must deal with.Standing here before you are three generals and a former minister who served in the security cabinet. A total of 117 years of military experience.We will establish a strong cabinet and, together with the IDF and security services, deal with these challenges in a responsible manner - not through the press. We will not need guidance on how to defend the country or fight against terror. We will stop the Iranian forces basing themselves on three frontiers: Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip."Gantz said that if elected prime minister in the April 9 election, the IDF and security services would have his full backing and will be given the freedom to act."We will have a responsible and balanced cabinet," he said. "We will increase the numbers of residents in the Golan, sending a resounding message to all - we will never relinquish the Golan Heights. On the contrary - it will only grow and strengthen! We will enlist the support of the US and the international community to promote Israel's interests on our northern border."Lapid called the Golan Heights an inseparable part of the State of Israel. He noted his effort in recent years to persuade US senators and congressmen, the European Union and the United Nations to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan."We have a historical right to it and it is a strategic asset," he said. "We will never give up the Golan Heights. It is ours and it will stay ours."
Ashkenazi added: "I have only one thing to say to our enemies in Syria and the region - we will act, and not just contain. Action and not containment. That will be our approach."
