Netanyahu: Trump Pledged to ‘Finish the Job’ on Iran | JP
The live broadcast was blocked by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who was concerned that airing the speeches could amount to illegal election campaigning. The IDF said in a statement: “In accordance with the directive of the deputy attorney general, and given the proximity to the election, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit will not broadcast speeches live at the ceremony.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also spoke to the graduates and their families, opening with birthday wishes to Netanyahu on behalf of everyone present. He then said Iran and its proxies had been trying in recent days to advance attacks aimed at influencing the election result.
“The Iranian regime is at its weakest point ever, and we recognize that this weakness could lead it to take the most extreme measures, including against the State of Israel,” Katz said. “We see your attempts, we are prepared to thwart them and we are ready to strike you with full force. If Iran attacks Israel, Iran will burn.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called for unity and said the military must stay above political divisions. “The mission of defending the State of Israel belongs to all of us and is greater than any disagreement,” Zamir said. “The IDF is the people’s army, and unity within it is a condition for its strength.” He told the new officers: “Go from here to your soldiers. Lead them with courage and wisdom. Know what and whom you are fighting for. I trust you.”
On Sunday, Trump issued a public endorsement of Netanyahu, Arutz Sheva reported. In it, he wrote that if Israel chose “anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so.” Netanyahu later called the president to thank him and praised his stance against a nuclear-armed Iran.