"I need to explain the probability for war and I can safely say that
Israel's deterrence and the Israel Defense Forces's might are stronger than
ever," Yadlin said. "We do not sit idly by, and we constantly check the
situation to see whether this is the calm before the storm or a direct
result of our actions."
"They are trying to increase their missile arrays in terms of range and
accuracy," Yadlin said.
In an address on Oct. 4, Yadlin said Hamas, Hizbullah, Iran and Syria
were amassing huge missile and rocket arsenals for any next war. But the
general, scheduled to leave his post over the next few weeks, said missiles
would not decide any war against Israel.
"Tens of thousands of missiles are weapons of terror, not the kind you
can conquer land or win a war with," Yadlin said.
The intelligence chief said his main challenge has been monitoring both
preparations and intent for a war against Israel. He said Iran, which has
been developing nuclear weapons, has been the most dangerous threat.
"This is a radical regime which publicly negates Israel's right to
exist, calls for its annihilation, denies the Holocaust and calls for acts
of terror against it," Yadlin said.
The fifth front could come from the Palestinians in the West Bank.
Yadlin said this war could be fought from Palestinian towns and cities.
"We are facing five fronts," Yadlin said. "And we follow each of them
closely."
Another senior Israeli commander said the military has sought to
increase the nation's readiness for missile attacks. Home Front Command
chief Maj. Gen. Yair Golan said the campaign would include preparing
civilians for biological, chemical and nuclear attacks.
"Israel has developed capabilities in detection and interception of
non-conventional weapons," Golan said. "At this time we do not know if
Hizbullah possesses non-conventional weapons, nor do we know about such
intentions, but we are prepared for such a situation."