The Israel Defense Forces continues an extensive operation in Iran and Yemen, with over 170 targets and more than 720 components attacked in just two days of operations. In Tehran, more than 80 targets were struck, including targets in Iran's nuclear program – facilities where the regime conceals its nuclear archive. Among the targets attacked were facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, with the operation conducted according to a structured and orderly plan. The Fordow facility has not yet been attacked.
Simultaneously, at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, Israeli fighter jets attacked Sanaa, with the IDF targeting Muhammad al-Amri, the Houthi chief of staff, who may have been wounded. According to the military, there is still no absolute air superiority – Iran has additional good air defense systems – but the Israeli Air Force can operate there freely. The military emphasizes they are operating in Tehran freely, though not without risk.
In the broader strategic context, the military explains that Hezbollah was Iran's most significant proxy and its pistol. This no longer exists – there is expectation in Iran that it will function, but it does not function. Iran has thousands of surface-to-surface missiles in various weights that can reach Israel. They have a plan to double and triple this in the coming years, reaching much larger quantities. If the IDF had not acted now, they would have had three times the missiles, posing an existential threat to Israel.
On the Israeli home front, Home Front Command personnel and commanders maintain control over events throughout the country alongside local authorities. Rescue efforts continue for those trapped under rubble in Bat Yam, with currently three people trapped and eight missing contact – the numbers are not final. According to the military, "everyone who was in a shelter came out on their feet," and "proper protection saves lives."
Saturday saw alerts following three barrages of approximately 70 missiles and dozens of drones at 11:00 p.m., 2:30 a.m., and 2:55 a.m. Overall, there were impacts in several cities with casualties. The military estimates that damage and destruction sites remain below the reference scenario for now, partly due to Israel's strikes, hits on missiles, and commanders not giving orders.
The Israeli Air Force continues operating on multiple fronts with strikes in Tehran targeting nuclear and missile sites, continued hunting of missile launchers, and attacks on national infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities. They struck a gas facility near Bandar Abbas and an oil facility near Tehran, with the military explaining these are dual-use facilities serving Iran's nuclear program. The military emphasizes they are hitting them as effectively as possible, noting they needed to open the path, and it was faster than expected.
Meanwhile, fighting continues in Gaza across all parts of the Strip, with Staff Sergeant (Reserves) Noam Shemesh, a Kfir Brigade commander, falling Saturday from RPG fire toward the force. 53 hostages remain in captivity, and according to the military, this remains a supreme mission of the war that has not changed.
The military is not prepared to discuss timelines. There is an orderly plan with developments underway. Educational institutions will not open for now, and strict guidelines have been issued for the home front.
