Behind the Eliminations of Senior Terror Leaders: Meet the IDF’s Targeted Eliminations Cell

Every targeted elimination is complex and involves many visible and invisible factors. “Each and every target behaves differently. Some live underground, some above it – some do both. No elimination is like the other,” stated Major R., the commander of the Targeted Eliminations Cell in the Israeli Air Force. “The way we eliminated Mohammed Deif is different from Fuad Shukr and from Hassan Nasrallah.”

In an interview for the IDF's official podcast, ‘IDF: Mission brief’, Major R. discussed the specialized cell’s operations and outstanding eliminations which impacted the entire region.

Why the Targeted Eliminations Cell Was Created

“Originally, I was responsible for the security of Air Force bases. Whenever I saw the planes overhead, I wanted to understand them better, and to understand how the amazing IAF operations come to life,” recalled Major R.

Accordingly, one day he was called to assist in an elimination, which ultimately failed.

“One of the most important conclusions drawn from that failure was that we need to establish a cell specializing in the targeted elimination of commanders of terrorist organizations. We decided we have to do something different.”

“My mission was to form a cell that would turn it into a proper profession. We took time to understand how to do it,” he explained. In order to do so, he assembled a cell of seasoned reservists, and began to build a professional team.

“We looked at every elimination, read the protocols, and talked to pilots who actually carried out the attacks, all to understand how things are currently done. Then, I asked myself: ‘What went wrong, what could we have done differently?’” Through much effort and training, the cell learned how to think of all the possible scenarios, and develop new approaches.

One main takeaway was the four elements necessary for an elimination: 

• The right person
• The right time
• The right place
• The right munition

The cell targets high-priority commanders, and aims to disrupt the command chain of the terrorist organizations on Israel’s borders and beyond them. “It’s a lot of responsibility. These commanders are important, and their elimination will change the reality in the Middle East. That’s why it's important we act as precisely as possible.”

Minimizing Civilian Harm During Operations

“We plan for a long time, sometimes years in advance, to mitigate civilian casualties.״ The cell makes all sorts of accommodations, such as precise munitions that target only a specific room, without destroying whole buildings.

To demonstrate, Major R. compared two targets and their elimination process: Hassan Nasrallah, the former Secretary-General of Hezbollah and Mohammed Deif, former commander of Hamas’ military wing.

“For Nasrallah, it was years of preparations,” he detailed. That elimination was complicated and had many moving parts—while the planes were on their way to strike, changes were made to the plan to make it more precise.

“Deif was hiding under civilians, so we needed to be extra precise. Most of Nasrallah's area was evacuated—it was the opposite. We had to find different approaches.”

The cell’s commitment to minimize civilian harm applies to another story Major R. shared. “One time, when we were about to strike and the fighter jets were already in the sky, we identified a soccer field where kids were playing, and we immediately cancelled the strike. If we have a chance to strike without any civilian casualties, we will do it. Even if it takes a few more seconds, minutes or hours. We will wait.”

“We are consistent with international law, we have lawyers with us telling us what’s okay and what’s not,” he continued. “When we're wrong, we always investigate to understand what we can do differently next time.”

“I hope in the future the cell will be closed and we won’t need it. For now, we are trying to make the terror organizations understand that no one is safe, anywhere,” he stated. “Israeli intelligence will find you if you are trying to harm Israel and its civilians. We don't want terror organizations to knock on anybody's doors— we want to defend Israel.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IDF Targeted Eliminations Cell?

It is a specialized Israeli Air Force cell established to plan and coordinate targeted operations against senior terrorist commanders through dedicated expertise, planning, and doctrine.

How does the IDF plan targeted eliminations?

Operations are planned around four elements: targeting the right person, at the right time, in the right place, and using the right munition. Planning may take months or years depending on the target.

How does the IDF seek to reduce civilian casualties during targeted operations?

Operations are planned to avoid civilians whenever possible by selecting appropriate timing, adjusting strike plans, using precision munitions, or cancelling missions if civilians are in the area.

What examples of operations are discussed?

Major R. describes the planning processes behind operations targeting Hassan Nasrallah and Mohammed Deif, explaining that each required different intelligence, operational planning, and precision due to their distinct circumstances.