Honorable IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi,
President of the Haifa University, Prof. Aharon Ben-Ze'ev,
Inspector General of the Israel Police, Commissioner Dudi Cohen,
Commander of the Prison Service, Lt. Gen. Benny Kaniak,
College Commander, Major-General Gershon HaCohen,
Academic National Security Counselor, Prof. Gavriel Ben-Dor,
Generals and Officers of the I DF,
Family Members,
Dear Graduates of the National Security College,
Distinguished Guests,
If there is one tangible expression of the combination which characterizes the people of Israel – the People of the Book which is forced also to live on its sword – it is the "Safra and Sayfa" expressed by the National Security College.
If there is one definitive proof of the seriousness with which Israel views the task of managing its security and national resources, it is the important and in-depth academic process which has been taking place for over 40 years among the walls of the National Security College.
If there is one good way to illustrate the learning of lessons, the constantly updated process of learning, and the meaningful and productive discourse between security and policy elements, it is all there, at the College – the graduates of which, throughout the years, are the ultimate evidence of its value.
Nelson Mandela, who is currently celebrating his 90th birthday, an image who is a great source of inspiration, once said that "our deepest fear is not that we are too weak. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure ". Indeed, engaging in national security and studying its mysteries and insights largely relates to the delicate manner in which we should use our power and the means at our disposal.
Israel is a powerful nation. Our friends know it, and so do our enemies. Israel's power stems not only from its technological assets, and not only from the human capital which is the driving force behind our capabilities. Israel's power stems from the justness of its cause, its moral strength and its ability to use its variety of capabilities wisely, intelligently and rationally.
About two weeks ago, when we brought home our sons Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, may their memory be for a blessing, we witnessed another dimension of that inner strength. That special virtue, which distinguishes Israel from its neighbors, was manifested once again, most powerfully. If anyone needed additional proof of what distinguishes us as a people and a nation, they could find it in the enthusiasm with which a freed child murderer was greeted across the border. Each and every one of us knows that this could not have happened here.
Distinguished Guests,
Even in a most sensitive and complex security reality, at a time when the magnitude of the strategic challenges facing Israel seems unprecedented, we must continue to advance the political process.
From my first day as Prime Minister, I viewed the advancement of negotiations with all our neighbors as a supreme goal. This fact has not changed and will not change as long as I am Prime Minister and the one bearing the main responsibility for Israel's security and prosperity.
After many years of political stalemate, we began negotiations with our Palestinian neighbors and indirect negotiations with our Syrian neighbors. There were those in the past who believed that this was an impossible mission, but I believe that not only is it possible, it is vital.
The peace negotiations are the major goal of the Government and the State. Apart from the formidable efforts we are making to strengthen our deterrence capabilities, learn from past mistakes and build a military force which will enable us to confront any military threat, peace is the path which could generate an essential change in the State of Israel's strategic situation. It is the key to our ability to guarantee long-term security and provide a better quality of life to the citizens of the State of Israel. Once peace is attained, we can also allocate the State's resources in a way that will diminish social gaps and strengthen the weaker sectors of the population.
I would like to say a few words about the indirect negotiations with Syria, the fourth round of which is conducted as we speak, on Turkish soil.
I chose to address this issue from this platform, before you, because Israel's security system has a very significant, perhaps unparalleled role, in emphasizing the need for this negotiation, in preparing for it and in conducting it.
Israel's security agencies have demonstrated maturity and a comprehensive strategic outlook when, from the very beginning, they supported the need to negotiate with Syria. In the preliminary discussions held in my office, an understanding was reached, also among the professional – security and political – echelons, that the potential benefits outweigh the risks in the peace negotiations with Syria, and that this opportunity must be explored.
Equipped with these insights, and with the courage and professional integrity shown by the foreign policy and security bodies, I began promoting the negotiations. It was not easy, and there were incidents along the way which seemed detrimental to the prospects of peace. We were required to show caution and prudence in the regional and international arena, in order to prevent an undermining of the strategic balance in the region, and at the same time, preserve the chance for peace. Ultimately, we opened the negotiations under the best terms for Israel.
The negotiations conducted today, with Turkish mediation, is serious and purposeful. It can ultimately lead to peace between the countries and welfare between nations. This depends first and foremost on the choice Syria's leaders must make. The time will come when signals, as positive as they may be, will no longer be enough. At that point, Syria will have to make a choice between the Iranian grip, partnership in the Axis of Evil and international isolation, or peace, economic prosperity and a place among the Family of Nations. This is an unequivocal, moral decision. Israel, on its part, continues to conduct these negotiations in good faith, with the aim of presenting a real alternative to Syria, one which will encourage it to make the right decision.
College Graduates,
It is from here, on the pinnacle of Mount Scopus, that the College chose to celebrate your special day, the day which closes a year of educational knowledge and enrichment. This festive day is not yours alone. It is an important day for anyone who is concerned about the long-term and short-term security of the State.
Despite being relatively small, the group of cadets of Class 35 of the College constitutes a human and professional mosaic which largely reflects the face of Israeli society: men and women of free professions, together with academics in other fields.
You, fresh graduates, leave here equipped with extensive knowledge and invaluable assets, ready to tackle the next challenge – the variety of roles waiting for you at the various security branches and Government agencies.
You are reaching your next destination with deeper insights about national security issues, primarily the recognition that military might, as important as it may be, is only one component in the strength and power of a nation. A society's unity and inner faith, a country's international standing and conduct among the nations of the world, and of course, a country's economic and technological strengths, are all as important as the military units and security services.
Now, once you have completed this important chapter in your lives, you carry the burden of proof. I am confident that in all the senior positions which will now become part of your daily routine, you will make an excellent contribution, bringing to bear the fruits of all the impressive things you acquired during your College education.
It is my pleasure to express my gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the National Security College – teachers, instructors and lecturers, headed by College Commander, Major-General Gershon HaCohen. I have no doubt that without your contribution and dedication, we would not have been able to derive so much satisfaction from the College training, and primarily from its graduates.
On behalf of the Government of Israel and on my own behalf, I wish each and every one of you continued success in your future path, because your success is also the success of Israel in confronting the current and future security challenges.
Congratulations!