Prime Minister David Ben Gurion told a graduation parade of officers and cadets today that “while the achievements of Israel’s army in the War of Liberation and in the Sinai campaign had been significant and glorious, Israel could not fight–if we shall have to–with the same means we used then.”
Declaring that “revolutionary changes in armament” have taken place in the last decade.” the Prime Minister said: “We must strive to modernize our weapons and special stress must be placed on developing our soldiers.”
He warned that one factor in Israel’s victories in the two wars had been “the inferior quality of the enemy.” He emphasized that it is imperative for Israelto improve the quality of its armed strength. He also called on the new officers to help absorb newcomers serving out tours of duty in the armed forces and to prevent any discrimination among troops.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
