IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Tuesday, 6 Iyar 5773 was interviewed by Walla News as Israel marks her 65th Independence Day.

Gantz explained he is “quite busy”, getting up at about 06:00 daily, and going to sleep “tomorrow”. He admitted he is tired, adding “I am accustomed to working under these conditions”.

Gantz has been in the IDF for 36 years, explaining his life has been in the military. He points out that he was in the military for 34 years prior to assuming the post of chief of staff and the military was “good” before he took command as well.

WALLA:

Is your day so long because of current realities?

Gantz:

Yes

WALLA:

Will you be serving an additional year?

Gantz:

That is the decision of the political echelon and whatever is decided will be.

WALLA:

Did you already discuss the matter?

Gantz:

I think the content of such discussions will remain between me and those involved.

WALLA:

What do you think about [super model] Bar Rafaela representing Israel?

(This refers to the model who was selected to star in a Foreign Ministry pro-Israel clip despite having not served in the IDF. The decision to select her resulted in protest from IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai)

Gantz:

I feel all Israelis must serve, from one end to the other and then everyone will be suited to represent the nation as we will all be taking a share together. I do not wish to refer to her case. She is a talented individual but it is not about her, but the need for all Israelis to serve equally.

WALLA:

Do we need to have chareidi units in the IDF or push for integration?

Gantz:

Ideally there should be integration but I understand the need for these units today. There is a growing number of chareidim serving in the IDF and it is good for the military and that population. We are beginning like this to ensure the success of the program. Ultimately I believe that everyone should be integrated. We must begin with baby steps and forge ahead.

WALLA:

Do you see a third intifada brewing?

Gantz:

In the Mideast everything is possible. We are constantly monitoring events in Yehuda and Shomron and there can always be an escalation. We have taken all necessary steps. I do not foresee such a situation.

WALLA:

What about the situation in Lebanon?

Gantz:

We do not believe our enemies are looking to launch a war against us. We are working to prevent them from dragging us into another conflict. Hizbullah is well aware what will occur if a war is launched as does Lebanon. Therefore it is in the interest of all involved to avoid this.

WALLA:

What is your opinion regarding what appears will be a major cut in the defense budget? Defense Minister Ya’alon says cuts are possible. Minister Bennett and others are speaking about cuts as is Finance Minister Yair Lapid.

Gantz:

One must look at this differently. It is not about cutting or not cutting the defense budget but the state must decide if it wishes to make the proper resources available to meet the challenges facing us today and how much will be given towards actualizing this reality. There are other very important issues and the state must decide where to allocate funding. One must remember that we do not have control in this area regarding what our enemies are doing and plan to do.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)