Netanyahu at Yonatan Netanyahu Memorial: "We Are Standing Firm on Our Vital Interests"

(Photo: Roi Avraham/ GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening (Sunday) at the memorial ceremony for his brother, Lt. Col. Yoni Netanyahu, of blessed memory, marking 50 years since he fell in "Operation Yonatan."

Netanyahu addressed the fighting against Iran and in Lebanon, as well as Iran’s demand that the U.S. require the IDF to withdraw from Lebanon: "Over the past year, we launched two major operations: 'Am KeLavi' and 'Sha'agat HaAri.' We undertook these operations to remove from us the danger of immediate destruction from the evil regime in Iran. Had we not acted, they would already have had atomic bombs, and they would have used them."

"I pledge here at your grave, Yoni, and I pledge to you, the citizens of Israel: the State of Israel will not be a passing episode in the history of our people. We are standing firm on our vital interests. We have achieved tremendous accomplishments, and we will not give them up."

"We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary in order to protect the precious residents of the north and all the citizens of the country. As Prime Minister of Israel, I insist on this firmly, and nothing will change it. And regarding Iran: whatever the diplomatic developments may be, I will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons. As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, it will not happen. To this sacred goal, I have dedicated my life since your fall, Yoni."