Brigadier General Gholam-Hossein Gheybparvar, the head of Basij [volunteer forces] Organisation, severely censured comments by Hassan Rouhani, one of the six candidates contesting in Iran’s May 19 presidential elections, saying the IRGC will continue to write “Death to Israel” not only on its missiles, but also on its bullets.
According to a report by IFP, addressing the second live presidential debate on Friday (May 5), Rouhani implicitly criticized the IRGC’ move, in March 2016, to write “Israel should be wiped off the Earth” in Hebrew on one of the ballistic missiles it tested shortly after the going into effect of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
In reaction to Rouhani’s remarks, Gheybparvar said, “The Zionist regime […] has increased its hostility towards Iran on a daily basis.”
“How is it possible that after being witness to the Zionist regime’s fierce and long-standing enmity towards Iran, some people still criticize writing ‘Death to Israel’ on our missiles,” Basij Press quoted him as saying.
“We will write it [the slogan] on the bullets as well. In fact, wiping out Israel, is our aspiration and an indisputable strategy which needs a strong determination,” Gheybparvar added.
He said the phrase “Death to Israel” is a strategic slogan, adding all of the world’s noble people and freethinkers are proud that Iran has become powerful enough to stand against the enemy chest-to-chest.
Gheybparvar expressed surprise at seeing some people cast doubt on the Establishment’s great achievements in a bid to win more votes.
Iran’s battle with Israel is a non-negotiable issue and unquestionable fact, he said, adding, “Who does have any doubt that Israel is not the main source of all crimes in Palestine and Lebanon? Who believes that Arab rulers and Israel are not each other’s accomplice?”
