Barak: Situation in the South is 'relatively calm'

In visit to Gaza Division, defense minister says IDF will continue to act against any threats to Israeli citizens, soldiers.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Defense Minister Ehud Barak 150 (photo credit: Ariel Harmoni / Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak 150
(photo credit: Ariel Harmoni / Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in a visit to the IDF's Gaza Division Tuesday that the situation in the South is relatively calm, "considering that we are at the end of this round [of violence]."
Praising the way the IDF operated in the past four days of fighting, Barak said the army "once again demonstrated the fact that [it] will strike anyone attempting to act against us."
While nobody knows when the next time it will be necessary, the IDF continues to be committed to acting against anyone "plotting, attempting or preparing operations against [Israeli] citizens or against IDF soldiers along the border," Barak added.
The defense minister went on to lay great praise on the Iron Dome rocket defense system, saying it contributes not only to the safety of citizens in the South, but also to deterring Palestinians in Gaza and to the political and military echelon's freedom of operation and decision-making.
The Iron Dome's interception rate in recent days was exceptional, Barak said.
If everything goes according to plan, the IDF will deploy a fourth Iron Dome battery within two or three weeks, which will allow it to protect a wider area, he added.
But the defense minister also said the government needs to ensure that the type of protection offered by Iron Dome is provided for the entire country and not only the South.