Reduction of Iranian influence just as important as defeating ISIS: IDF chief

The IDF chief of staff, Lieut. Gen. Gady Eisenkott, said Wednesday that the efforts by Iran, Syria and Hizballah to acquire missiles and improve their accuracy pose the greatest threat to Israel's security. He said the IDF is dealing with the threat using a wide range of tools that cannot be disclosed, and endeavoring to prevent a deterioration of the situation. The IDF now has intelligence capabilities that it never had before, according to the top officer. The chief of staff also said the goal of reducing Iran's influence in the region around Israel is just as important as the defeat of ISIS, and possibly more important. He made the remarks at a meeting of the Knesset's foreign affairs and defense committee.