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IDF chief hails air force’s war achievements

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called its operations “impressive” during a visit to Nevatim base, where he met with IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (right) with Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar at Nevatim Airbase near Beersheva on March 11, 2025. Credit: IDF.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (right) with Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar at Nevatim Airbase near Beersheva on March 11, 2025. Credit: IDF.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Tuesday lauded the Israeli Air Force’s performance in the Iron Swords War, calling its operations “impressive by any standard.”

During a visit to Nevatim Air Force Base, Zamir stated, “The Israeli Air Force serves as Israel’s strategic arm,” emphasizing its critical role over the past year and a half.

During the visit, IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar briefed Zamir on the IAF’s operational capabilities and the key lessons learned from the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, detailing how the air force is implementing improvements based on wartime experience.

Zamir praised the rigorous inquiry process undertaken by the IAF, calling it a model of professionalism and continuous improvement. He also commended the dedication of IAF personnel, from technicians and logistics teams to combat pilots and reservists, many of whom have served hundreds of days since the war began.

“We have an exceptional air force, built on excellent soldiers and commanders, and on an outstanding commanding officer who has guided the force to tremendous achievements,” Zamir concluded.

Joshua Marks is a news editor on the Jerusalem desk at JNS.org, where he covers Jewish affairs, the Middle East and global news.
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