Menachem Beigin, leader of the Herut Party, took issue with Defense Minister Moshe Dayan today over the latter’s alleged opinion that Israel’s Army should take only defensive actions. Mr. Beigin is a minister-without-portfolio in the coalition Government.
Addressing a Gahal (Herut-Liberal alignment) election rally, Mr. Beigin said the idea of a defensive posture did not coincide with reality. He said the Army’s stance, as approved by the Government, is a system of classic defense and offense. Mr. Beigin said the defensive posture is essential but the offensive is also required. He said Israel had the right to employ both systems in self-defense and to attack the aggressor to prevent him from preparing to attack Israel.
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