Katz, Zamir hail Israel’s war against Iran as ‘defining milestone’ in country’s history

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir release separate statements praising Israel’s achievements during Operation Rising Lion as a historic turning point in Israel’s defense against Iran’s most dangerous threats, following a joint situational assessment yesterday.

Katz hails the operation as a strategic triumph.

“The IDF achieved remarkable successes in thwarting Iran’s nuclear program and missile production system — the two threats that posed the greatest danger to Israel,” Katz says.

“The IDF must prepare both intelligence-wise and operationally to ensure air superiority over Tehran and to prevent Iran from rebuilding its capabilities,” he adds.

Zamir echoes the sentiment, calling the operation a defining moment in Israel’s security history.

“Operation Rising Lion is a defining milestone in the campaign for the security of the State of Israel,” he says. “It once again demonstrated the strength of the IDF, the depth of its operational capabilities, and the determination of the people of Israel to defend their existence.”

Zamir says that the operation was years in the making, built on “thousands of hours of planning, intelligence gathering, and training.”

“In recent months, intelligence sharpened, capabilities matured, and the plan became feasible. Air Force planes controlled the skies over Tehran, intelligence demonstrated groundbreaking capabilities, and our air defense protected the home front,” he says.

Reflecting on the broader war since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, Zamir adds, “The operation is over — but the campaign is not.”