Barak: 'Israel hasn't been quiet for over 40 years'

The State of Israel has not been quiet in over 40 years, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Wednesday night. Speaking at an official Independence Day reception at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, Barak said, "The reality is that threats against us continue. [We live] in a situation in which the country is not quiet, it hasn't been for some 40 years." The defense minister went on to praise Israel on its 61st birthday, saying, "We established a magnificent country with a unique, intimidating spirit." "Israel is strong… and no one should doubt our existence. We won't let our enemies even dare. We know very well how to defend ourselves," he added.