“Perhaps in the future the Iranian regime will become a threat, but at the moment there is no need to become agitated,” the defense minister told the Knesset committee.

Referring to the proximity talks with the Palestinian Authority, Barak said he prefers direct discussions but noted that in the present reality, even indirect talks were difficult to set up.

“The difficulties I believe will be created are the result of what is happening in the Arab world, where there are different attitudes and approaches towards anything to do with negotiating with Israel,” he said.

Israel must draw a border line which includes a solid Jewish majority for generations and beside it an economically and politically viable Palestinian state, he said.

“Our goal is to reach an agreement in which both states live side-by-side in mutual respect, with the recognition of the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, and the recognition of a Palestinian state. That is what is required to end the conflict,” he said.
 

The Middle East is a complex and problematic environment but Israel is strong and its deterrence allows it to take on agreements from a position of power and security, he said.

He warned however there will be no agreement without willingness on both sides. Israel he said is keen to move forward on peace talks with Syria, but he said “it takes two to tango.””

In the Gaza Strip, Hamas is strengthening its military capabilities, and has rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv, the defense minister said.

Israel aims to boost Fatah in order to weaken Hamas and is trying to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip without strengthening Hamas, he said.

In the north, Hezbollah has over 40,000 rockets in its arsenal, but Lebanon will be held accountable for any attacks stemming from its territory he said.