The Chief of the General Staff: “To remove a threat of such magnitude, against such an enemy, we must be ready for a prolonged campaign. The IDF is prepared. Day by day, our freedom to operate is expanding, and the enemy’s is narrowing”

The full remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir: 

Citizens of Israel,
A week ago, I gave the order. Operation ״Rising Lion״ was underway. Since then, we
have been operating on the offensive.
Upon assuming my position as the Chief of the General Staff, I stated clearly: we are
in a pivotal period in which we must remove an existential threat.
For years, the Iranians have been building a clear plan to annihilate the State of
Israel. In recent months, that plan reached the point of no return, as intentions
transformed into capabilities.
When we launched this campaign, Iran possessed approximately 2,500
surface-to-surface missiles and was producing them at a rapid pace. According to
estimates, within two years it would have had around 8,000 missiles.
The Iranian regime spent years cultivating a surrounding “Ring of Fire”. Now, that ring
is being turned against it, on its own soil.
The combination of threats - from the nuclear program to advanced firepower to
missile systems - forced us to launch a preemptive strike.
The IDF does not stand idly by in the face of developing threats.
As part of a dynamic approach, we act proactively and in advance in order to prevent
existential threats and in the face of any challenge.
The IDF prepared for this operation for years. In recent months, we accelerated
preparations for one of the most complex campaigns in our history, all as we fought
on multiple fronts and all while maintaining strict secrecy.
The operation was made possible thanks to the convergence of operational and
strategic conditions — some of which were temporary. Delaying any further would
have meant the risk of losing these conditions and entering a campaign in the future
at a clear disadvantage.
We understood that history would not forgive us if we failed to act now to protect
the very existence of the Jewish people in the State of Israel.
We are operating while following a structured yet flexible plan that adapts to the
developments.
Thanks to a powerful and surprising opening strike, we achieved extraordinary
results. We eliminated the enemy’s senior military command, dealt significant blows
to key components of their nuclear program, located and destroyed missile
launchers, broke through an aerial route to Tehran, destroyed surface-to-air missile
batteries and approximately half of their missile launchers — some just minutes
before launch - and catching the enemy off guard, despite their readiness.
Today, IAF pilots are operating at the greatest range and intensity in the forces’
history. They are striking targets in Iran in powerful waves of attacks, under immense
risk to their own lives.
I met the pilots and ground crews moments before they set out on their mission.
Each and every one of them said to me, “We’re behind you.” They instilled in me
confidence in the face of the magnitude of this challenge and the weight of this
decision.

Dear citizens of Israel,
Alongside the offensive operations, our defense of the home front continues. This is
a challenge like nothing we have seen before — the enemy, in its weakness, is
deliberately targeting civilians, as we experienced once again in the latest barrage a
few hours ago.
Our enemies fail to understand that the Israeli home front is the source of the IDF’s
strength, not its weakness.
This week, I visited several impact sites and saw the devastation with my own eyes.
My heart goes out to the families of the casualties and the injured.
We are in the midst of a multi-front war. The operations in Gaza continue, and
unfortunately, we are paying a heavy price in the lives of our troops, as we did this
week.
Over the last few days, I met with division commanders in the Gaza Strip and was
deeply impressed by their determination to achieve the goals of this war.
I have not forgotten for a moment that there are 53 hostages still held by Hamas.
Bringing them home is a moral and national imperative, and the IDF is working
tirelessly to achieve it. The operations we are conducting in Iran these days are also
contributing to that goal.
Our soldiers — in mandatory service, career service, and the reservists — are
deployed across all borders.
To our reservists, you enable us to fight on multiple fronts. You continue to report to
duty again and again, fully aware of the gravity of these moments. You are an
inseparable part of this campaign. I salute you and your families.
We are preparing for a wide range of possible developments. We have embarked on
the most complex campaign in our history to remove a threat of such magnitude,
against such an enemy, we must be ready for a prolonged campaign.
The IDF is prepared. Day by day, our freedom to operate is expanding, and the
enemy’s is narrowing.
The campaign is not over. Although we have made significant achievements, difficult
days still lie ahead. We must remain alert and united until the mission is complete.
I am confident that together, we will end this campaign with Israel standing strong
and victorious.
It is a great honor for me to lead our nation’s army at this time.
The IDF is determined, we are moving forward with full force.
“Be strong and let us be strengthened for our people.”