IDF chief discloses covert commando operations behind Iranian lines that helped achieve ‘air superiority’

In a video message on Wednesday night, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir publicly disclosed that Israeli commando units operated on the ground inside Iranian territory during the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion. 

According to Zamir, these units played a crucial role in securing the IDF’s “air superiority” over Iranian airspace.

“We have achieved complete control of the skies of Iran and wherever we chose to operate,” Zamir said. “This was made possible, among other things, thanks to the integration and deception carried out by the air force and ground commandos.” 

“The forces operated covertly deep in enemy territory and created operational freedom for us,” Zamir said. 

Even prior to the strikes deep inside Iran, a covert and labor-intensive operation was already underway within the Israeli Air Force (IAF) “Iranian Supremacy” division. The mission aimed to construct a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s military capabilities, supported by an unprecedented level of close intelligence surveillance.

For months, researchers in the Air Superiority Section of the IAF Intelligence Unit worked on neutralizing Iran’s air defenses to lay the groundwork for the surprise operations which caught the Iranian military off guard. 

The unit located and monitored Iranian radar and launchers and developed a plan for dismantling the command and control centers in the capital of Tehran. 

Corporal B, an intelligence researcher, said that Iran possesses a diverse system of air defense.

“From American anti-aircraft systems from the days of the previous regime, through Eastern European systems, to modern domestic production, the pace of development and deployment of which has recently accelerated - the Iranians have diverse air defense means," he explained. 

Understanding those systems was necessary for Air Force pilots flying the aircraft, those choosing the target bank, and the covert forces working behind enemy lines. 

While Zamir revealed few specifics of the operations, he expressed admiration for the support from the U.S. military. 

“Our achievements were enhanced by the actions of the United States military,” Zamir noted. “The action of the American forces was precise, powerful and impressive.” 

The IDF chief said that throughout the conflict, he “maintained close contact with the commander in the United States military.” 

“The coordination between the armies is a strategic asset to the State of Israel,” he said. 

Zamir also said that  “According to the assessment of the IDF Intelligence Directorate and our nuclear experts, the damage to the nuclear program is not a localized damage, but a systemic damage.” 

“We will not allow Iran to produce weapons of mass destruction,” he pledged. 

The IDF chief said the IDF operation was conducted on the following principle: “Whoever rises to kill you, rise up early to kill him.” 

“Operation Rising Lion is over, but the campaign is not over yet,” Zamir said. “We must remain focused.”