Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the Israel Defense Forces for achieving “remarkable successes” in “Operation Rising Lion,” calling it a turning point in the effort to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.
At a situation assessment held on Thursday with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and top intelligence officials, Katz said the Israeli military, with U.S. support, had succeeded in significantly damaging Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile production systems.
“In this operation, the IDF delivered extraordinary results,” he said. “We struck at Iran’s nuclear program and its missile manufacturing array. These were the core dangers to Israel’s security.”
Katz noted that Israeli forces also hit key regime assets in Tehran, including weapons depots and command posts.
The military’s next mission is to create a detailed enforcement plan to ensure that Iran cannot reconstitute these capabilities, he said.
“The IDF must now prepare operationally and through intelligence to maintain air superiority over Tehran, and to prevent Iran from regaining its nuclear or missile capacities,” he added.
Katz emphasized that Israel remains committed to a policy of active defense. “The State of Israel will not allow a return to threats from Iran. We are determined to eliminate them. Our people showed resilience on the home front in the face of an existential threat. This is a victory for all of Israel.”
Since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, Israel has been locked in a prolonged, multi-front war.
“The axis of evil has taken major blows,” Katz said. “We’ve shown our enemies that we will not surrender. We initiate, we fight, we strike—and we will prevail.”
According to Katz, the operation had been years in the making. “It wasn’t conceived overnight,” he said. “It took years of planning, intelligence gathering, and training. In recent months, our intelligence capabilities grew stronger. The plan became actionable.”
Zamir described the operation as a historic moment in Israel’s defense struggle. “‘Operation Rising Lion’ marks a foundational milestone. It proves once again the strength of the IDF, the depth of its capabilities, and the determination of the Israeli people to defend their existence.”
He extended thanks to everyone involved in preparing the mission. “Your work made this possible. You are full partners in this success.”
The Air Force controlled Tehran’s skies, Zamir noted. Intelligence services delivered breakthroughs. Air defense protected civilians, while rescue teams saved lives. Technological and communications support enabled mission success.
Zamir concluded with a message to Israeli soldiers: “It is my honor to lead the IDF at such a historic time. I salute each one of you. Blessed is the nation that has such soldiers and commanders.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s moral commitment to return the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. “This remains at the heart of our mission,” the general said.
