The Israeli Air Force is “capable of striking powerfully” anyone who threatens the Jewish state’s security, Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to the Nevatim Airbase on Wednesday.
“The Israeli Air Force is the IDF’s strategic arm,” said Zamir. “Over the past two years of combat, you have been on the front line of both the offensive and defensive effort in near and distant arenas.”
Zamir noted that during the War of Redemption against Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as June’s “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran, the IAF “gained operational experience unparalleled anywhere in the world.”
The Air Force “will draw lessons from it and employ it to ensure the security of the State of Israel at all times,” he said. “We are prepared for a range of scenarios and are continuously improving our capabilities in order to achieve victory in the overall battle against our enemies.”
Highlighting the arrival of three new F-35I “Adir” jets at the airbase on Sunday, the chief of staff said the acquisition marked a “significant milestone in strengthening the IDF’s operational capabilities.”
During the visit, Zamir reviewed the base’s readiness, along with the aircrews’ “preparedness for a sudden escalation” and the process of integrating the F-35Is, according to the statement.
“We will continue in the coming years to reinforce the IAF as a strategic arm prepared to confront and decisively overcome any challenge,” he said.
Zamir’s remarks come as Jerusalem is reportedly maintaining heightened readiness amid growing speculation about possible U.S. military action against Iran.
U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that President Donald Trump was still pressing for what he called “decisive” military options against the Islamic regime.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that if Tehran attacked Israel, the IDF would “act with might that Iran has not seen before.”
Israel’s Channel 12 News reported on Sunday that Jerusalem’s defense establishment believes that Trump could still follow through on his promise to come to the rescue of Iranian anti-regime protesters.
The channel said U.S. aerial and naval forces are expected to complete military preparations within days, giving Washington the option of ordering a large-scale strike.
