Israel’s military leadership has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating conflict with Iran, indicating that the nation must prepare for what could be a drawn-out military campaign against its longstanding adversary. Military chief Eyal Zamir emphasized in a video message that Israel has entered a complex phase of operations aimed at neutralizing threats posed by Iran, describing the situation as unprecedented in its complexity and scale.
The recent military actions, which commenced with strikes against Iranian targets the previous Friday, have included targeted strikes and assassinations of key Iranian military figures, alongside attacks on critical nuclear and missile infrastructure. Zamir noted that extensive preparation for this campaign has been underway for years, suggesting a high level of strategic planning by the Israeli defense forces.
While the Israeli military pivots its focus toward Iran, it continues to conduct operations against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the threats Israel is currently facing. Zamir remarked on the operational capacity that has allowed for this initiative, attributing part of the success to favorable strategic conditions that may not last indefinitely.
Analysts are observing that Iranian capabilities have been significantly compromised by Israel’s previous operations targeting allied groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. This prolonged exchange of military actions has resulted in damage to Tehran’s air defense systems, indicating a shifting dynamic in the regional power balance.
Highlighting the achievements of Israeli air force pilots, Zamir referred to their operations as “extraordinary,” indicating that they are conducting missions with unprecedented intensity and range. However, despite these successes, he cautioned that the road ahead could be fraught with challenges, as Israel continues to contend with fresh assaults from Iranian ballistic missiles.
In a rallying call to the Israeli public, Zamir urged citizens to remain vigilant and united during this critical period, stressing that despite the significant progress made, the path to complete mission success requires enduring solidarity and preparedness for upcoming hardships. “Difficult days still lie ahead,” he asserted, reinforcing the need for resolve as the nation faces this existential threat.
