Israeli Chief of Staff Highlights Air Force Readiness Amid Regional Tensions

During the graduation ceremony of the 192nd aviation course, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that over the past two and a half years, the Air Force has conducted a series of highly complex military operations and security missions. These actions form part of what he described as a "multi-front battle" strategy across the skies of the Middle East, with the scale and scope of these operations being difficult to fully express in words as they have extended across various regional fronts.

Zamir explained that the Air Force has established "absolute air superiority," enabling its aircraft to fly and carry out missions over any selected geographic area in the region. He highlighted the execution of sudden and decisive strikes targeting senior Iranian regime commanders, officials involved in the nuclear program, weapons manufacturing and development facilities, as well as neutralizing air defense batteries and ballistic missile launch platforms (surface-to-surface).

In his assessment of the operational environment, Zamir noted that military operations have expanded the scope of confrontation unprecedentedly, with the fronts in Gaza, Beirut, Sana’a, and Tehran all falling within the Air Force’s direct targeting range. He added that the Air Force leadership has simultaneously managed air defense systems, achieving high interception rates against missile attacks and unmanned aerial vehicle incursions, thus ensuring the continuation of offensive operations and thwarting what he termed "existential threats" before they could become imminent dangers.

Regarding strategic collaboration, Zamir emphasized the nature of the partnership with the U.S. military, describing it as a "unique partnership" that has resulted in joint operations and high-level field coordination. This cooperation has contributed to the development of unprecedented military capabilities that enhance the Air Force’s multi-front role.

He revealed that in recent weeks, hundreds of fighter jets have been placed on immediate readiness and alert status, supported by the efforts of tens of thousands of logistical and technical personnel from various specialties, including air traffic controllers, planners, command and control, and communications staff. Zamir confirmed close monitoring of developments in Iran and Lebanon, with full preparedness to act instantly and respond to any attempt at military retaliation with a "strong and rapid" response.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief of Staff praised the level of joint operational integration with ground forces, noting that fighter jets and attack helicopters have carried out thousands of air raids during ongoing battles in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. He affirmed that these air efforts provided direct operational support and coverage for ground troops in defense, breakthrough, and offensive operations, alongside sensitive logistical missions such as troop transport and casualty evacuation from frontline positions using heavy transport helicopters of the "Yas'ur" model.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will maintain its "security belt" in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary," stressing that the war "is not over yet" and that new challenges are emerging for Israel.

Netanyahu stated that the Iranian regime "received a severe blow," affirming that Israel’s policy remains clear in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, regardless of whether an agreement is reached.

He added that "if Israel had not acted, Iran would have obtained nuclear weapons," noting that "some axes fall while others rise in the Middle East, and we are monitoring developments and preparing for every scenario."

Netanyahu emphasized that maintaining Israeli air superiority is "a fundamental pillar of national security and a key to preserving stability in the Middle East."