The Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, said that Israel faces the most difficult political, security and social challenges. Barak\'s statements came during the commemorations ceremony was held at the memorial of the Israeli soldiers who were killed during the war in 1973. Barak added that \"Israel is still the most powerful country in the region and must work internally and externally to ensure the survival of this situation in the future too.\" The IDF Chief of Staff, Benny Gantz, also said during the occasion, that Israel and its army will face many challenges in the future. \"We will have to overcome the tough challenges and this is regrettable.”