Netanyahu channels Maccabees in pep talk to troops

“You are the Maccabees,” Netanyahu told troops days ahead of the Chanukah festival. “The great answer to anti-Semitism is the State of Israel and the IDF.” 

By World Israel News Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also serving as defense minister since the recent resignation of Avigdor Liberman, visited an IDF Commando Brigade exercise Tuesday evening, where he was briefed by IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, GOC Commando Brigade Col. Kobi Heller and other senior officers.

Addressing the soldiers participating in the exercise, Netanyahu said:

“The great answer to anti-Semitism is the State of Israel and the IDF. Once we were like a driven leaf in the wind and we could be slaughtered. Today we have the power to respond.

“We are on the eve of Chanukah,” he added. “The spirit of the Maccabees is here – you are the Maccabees. We overcome our enemies with extraordinary strength and the extraordinary spirit that I see here. I see this in the IDF and in all our fighters.

“I am proud of you and believe in you, and the people of Israel believe in you. Continue to succeed. Watch over the state. Watch over yourselves and each other.”

The prime minister observed the forces during the exercise and viewed a presentation on advanced weaponry.

The various units of the IDF Commando Brigade are currently holding a multi-scenario 10-day exercise in various parts of the country.