The Israel Defense Forces is significantly degrading Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Friday, but he emphasized that difficult days still lie ahead and that the home front must remain alert, resilient and united until the mission is completed.
Below is the full text of Zamir’s address to the nation and to the Jewish people around the world:
“A week ago, I gave the order. ‘Operation Rising Lion’ was launched, and since then, the IDF has been operating on the offensive.
“Upon assuming my position as chief of the General Staff, I made it clear: We are in a pivotal period, one in which we must confront and remove an existential threat.
“For years, Iran has been working systematically to build a clear plan to annihilate the State of Israel. In recent months, that plan moved beyond intentions—it became operational. Capabilities were matched to strategy, and the danger reached a point of no return.
“At the outset of this campaign, Iran possessed an estimated 2,500 surface-to-surface missiles and was rapidly expanding production. According to intelligence estimates, that arsenal could have reached 8,000 missiles within two years.
“The Iranian regime has long cultivated a ‘Ring of Fire’ surrounding Israel. Today, that ring is being turned inward—against Iran itself, on its own soil.
“The combination of threats—nuclear, missile and drone—left us no choice but to launch a preemptive strike. The IDF does not stand idly by in the face of developing threats. Our doctrine is proactive. We act early, decisively and forcefully to eliminate existential dangers and confront every challenge.
“This operation has been in preparation for years. In recent months, we accelerated our readiness for one of the most complex military campaigns in our nation’s history—all while simultaneously fighting on multiple fronts and maintaining complete operational secrecy.
“The timing of this strike was determined by a convergence of operational and strategic conditions—some of them fleeting. Delaying would have meant entering a future conflict at a severe disadvantage. We understood that history would not forgive hesitation in the face of a threat to the very existence of the Jewish people in the State of Israel.
“We are operating under a structured but flexible plan that adapts to developments on the ground. Thanks to a powerful and unexpected opening strike, we have already achieved extraordinary results. We eliminated the enemy’s senior military leadership, struck key components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, located and destroyed missile launchers—some just minutes before launch—breached an aerial corridor to Tehran, and dismantled air defense systems, including surface-to-air missile batteries.
“These strikes caught the enemy off guard, despite its state of alert.
“Today, Israeli Air Force pilots are flying the longest-range and most intense missions in the force’s history. They are striking targets deep inside Iran in successive waves, despite enormous personal risk.
“I visited the pilots and ground crews just before their missions. Each one of them looked me in the eye and said, ‘We’re behind you.’ Their courage gave me strength in the face of this immense responsibility.
“To the citizens of Israel: Alongside our offensive operations, we continue to defend the home front. This is an unprecedented challenge. Our enemy, weakened and desperate, is deliberately targeting civilians—as seen in the latest barrage just hours ago.
“But our enemies misunderstand us. The Israeli home front is not our weakness—it is the source of the IDF’s strength.
“This week, I visited several impact sites and witnessed the devastation firsthand. My heart is with the families of the victims and the wounded.
“We are fighting a multi-front war. Operations in Gaza continue. Sadly, we are paying a heavy price in the lives of our soldiers, including this week.
“In the past few days, I met with division commanders in the Gaza Strip and was deeply moved by their resolve. They are unwavering in their commitment to achieving the objectives of this war.
“I have not forgotten, not for a single moment, that 53 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Bringing them home is a national and moral imperative. The IDF is working relentlessly to fulfill this mission—and our operations in Iran are contributing to that goal.
“Our forces—regular, career and reserve—are deployed along every front. To our reservists: Your continued readiness and repeated response to the call of duty are essential. You are an inseparable part of this campaign. I salute you—and your families.
“We are preparing for a wide range of developments. This is the most complex campaign in our military history. Against an enemy of this magnitude, we must be ready for a prolonged effort.
“The IDF is ready. Day by day, our freedom to operate is expanding—and the enemy’s is shrinking.
“The campaign is not yet over. Though we have achieved significant gains, difficult days still lie ahead. We must remain alert, resilient and united until the mission is complete.
“I am honored to lead the Israel Defense Forces at this historic moment. The IDF is determined. We are moving forward with full force.”