Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir delivered a comprehensive strategic assessment Wednesday at the National Security College graduation ceremony, joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz and President Isaac Herzog in outlining Israel's transformed regional position following Operation Rising Lion.
The IDF chief of staff characterized the operation's impact as fundamentally altering Middle Eastern dynamics. "IDF actions and achievements since October 7, particularly within Operation Rising Lion's framework, have generated a significant regional domino effect impacting the entire Middle East," Zamir explained. "Tectonic plates are shifting – some herald positive strategic opportunities for Israel, while others demand enhanced preparedness."
Zamir provided detailed operational insights, describing how Israeli forces established an air corridor to Tehran and executed precision strikes against nuclear, missile, and rocket installations while maintaining air superiority. "The US military subsequently attacked underground nuclear sites using its superpower capabilities," he noted. "Combined actions significantly contributed to achieving war objectives, strengthened Middle East security, and demonstrated crucial strategic coordination between nations."
While acknowledging Iran operation success, the IDF chief emphasized Gaza campaign continuity. "The southern war ranks among Israel's most complex and complicated conflicts," Zamir stated. "Our soldiers demonstrate courage, supreme heroism, and sacrifice while pursuing a clear mission – returning our hostages and defeating the enemy."
The military leader paid special tribute to fallen Netzach Yehuda Battalion soldiers killed Tuesday in northern Gaza. "Netzach Yehuda Battalion warriors, the IDF's first ultra-Orthodox battalion, who fell the day before yesterday alongside all Iron Swords War fallen defending the state," Zamir said. "They represent heroes of valor, heroes of the Israeli people."
Zamir shared personal experiences with the unit. "Two weeks ago, I met Netzach Yehuda warriors hundreds of meters from the border, protecting Sderot and Nir Am," he recalled. "I witnessed their dedication and commitment to the sacred mission."
The IDF chief extensively addressed strategic thinking, rejecting detached approaches. "Some mistakenly believe strategists observe reality from above, from Olympus heights, disconnected from field conditions," Zamir said. "This represents a fundamental error. Authentic strategy emerges from field experience."
Defense Minister Israel Katz detailed unprecedented Iranian achievements. "We opened Tehran's airspace to air force operations while eliminating air defense systems," Katz said. "We dismantled Iran's nuclear infrastructure with American ally assistance. We destroyed missile production facilities and severely damaged launch systems. We eliminated security leadership and leading scientists advancing the nuclear program."
Katz disclosed a specialized operation within the Iranian capital. "Operation Tornado severely damaged regime symbols and oppression apparatus in Tehran's heart while evacuating millions of residents and creating intense pressure on the ayatollahs' regime," he explained.
The defense minister revealed that Iranian operations thwarted extensive plans involving Hamas. "Hamas intended to assist Iran in implementing 'Destruction of Israel' phase two – Iranian missile attacks on Israel and coordinated invasions from Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan as part of combined assault operations," Katz said.
Addressing northern developments, Katz observed that "maximum enforcement policy continues in Lebanon and demonstrates effectiveness." Regarding Syria, he stated that "IDF presence in Hermon and security zones protects Golan Heights and Galilee residents from any enemy, with territorial presence serving as diplomatic assets for potential future arrangements."
Despite achievements, Katz stressed incomplete objectives. "Our Gaza Strip maneuver target remains clear – returning all hostages and ensuring Hamas elimination," he said, noting that the prime minister "currently conducts intensive negotiations for hostage releases."
Concerning Houthis, the defense minister spoke definitively. "Houthis continue firing toward Israel, requiring clear understanding – Yemen faces Tehran's fate," Katz declared. "Israel will not permit Houthi attrition warfare, and they will bear complete consequences."
President Isaac Herzog addressed national security's political dimensions. "Recent years brought considerable disappointments and upheavals regarding trust many Israelis placed in international community," Herzog said.
The president criticized international October 7 responses. "International organizations and member states turned their backs on us," Herzog said. "Human rights organizations ignored filmed and documented massacres. Women's organizations conspicuously remained silent facing horrific sexual violence testimonies."
Looking ahead, Herzog emphasized current opportunities. "We experience a historic favorable moment," the president said. "A defining moment for the entire region. Our deterrent military power and exceptional strategic capabilities received clear expression in this campaign against Iranian ayatollahs' regime and its extensions."
On hostage return, Herzog remained emphatic. "Returning all hostages – until the last one – represents not only moral obligation but decisive strategic declaration," he said. "Israel does not abandon its children."
