From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
IDF chief: Israel planned ‘much more significant and severe blow’ to Iranian regime, is prepared to return to war
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says Iran’s attempts to “dictate equations will fail,” and that Israel planned a “more significant and severe blow” to the regime.
“The Iranian attempt to dictate equations and change reality will fail. We will continue to operate and deepen the damage to the Hezbollah terror organization and defend the northern communities,” he says during a visit to a military drill.
“The IDF maintained and continues to maintain immediate readiness and preparedness for a return to fighting in Iran,” Zamir says.
Referring to the recent exchange of fire between Israel and Iran, he added, “All of our defense and offensive systems were alert and prepared. We intercepted the threats launched at us and struck in Iran quickly and forcefully.”
He says that “the strike we carried out in Iran was preparation for a much more significant and severe blow.”
“We are prepared to return and deliver another hard and deep strike against Iran,” Zamir adds.
According to reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a deeper strike on Iran but called it off under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
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