IDF responds to reports of Iran-related confrontation
Following Israeli and international reports, including CNN reporting, about a major confrontation between the political leadership and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir concerning Iran, the IDF Spokesperson issued this statement:
“In light of various reports in the Israeli and international media over the past 24 hours, attributing certain remarks to the IDF Chief of Staff or senior IDF officials, we would like to clarify: The IDF remains focused on its missions and is on high alert across all fronts, in light of various threats and the sensitivity of the current period. The IDF’s operational activities and decision-making are guided solely by security-related, professional, objective, and national considerations. Any suggestion otherwise is misleading and irrelevant.”
Another reported rendering of the statement read: “Regarding various reports in the Israeli and international media over the past day, which attributed various statements to the chief of staff or senior military officials, we wish to clarify: The IDF is focused on its missions and maintains a high state of alert on all fronts, in light of various warnings and the sensitivity of the current period,” referring to the election period.
“The operational activities and considerations of the IDF are solely security-related, professional, matter-of-fact, and statesmanlike, and any other discourse is misleading and irrelevant,” the military added.
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials expected in Tehran
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, the Mecca Pact countries, are expected in Tehran on Monday for regional coordination talks with Iranian officials, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the plans.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said its secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, would meet Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
“The meeting is an Iranian initiative that we hope will lead to stability and peace in the region,” the council said.
Israel and Cyprus sign patrol-vessel agreement
Israel will supply Cyprus with a new offshore patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards and equipped with advanced Rafael naval systems under a defense export agreement signed Monday in Cyprus, Israel’s Defense Ministry said.
The agreement also includes upgrading systems aboard Cyprus’s existing Israeli-built patrol vessel, Commodore Andreas Ioannides.
Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram and Stelios Kountouris, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Cypriot Defense Ministry, signed the agreement.
It was led by Israel’s International Defense Cooperation Directorate, SIBAT, and the Cypriot ministry’s Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development Directorate.
The ceremony was attended by SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Shuli Davidovich, Israel Shipyards CEO Eitan Zucker, Rafael’s Head of Naval Warfare Systems Ran Tavor and other senior officials.
Israel’s Defense Ministry said the agreement “marks another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and enhancing its capacity to respond to maritime security challenges.”
The new vessel and upgraded Commodore Andreas Ioannides “will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions,” the ministry said, adding that “by strengthening their capabilities and deepening their partnership, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to regional stability.”
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.
