Iranian Nuclear Threat Addressed by IDF Chief of Staff
IDF Operations in Iran
In a statement to the media on Wednesday evening, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi revealed that ground commando forces have operated deep within Iranian territory. He referred to the operation “Like a Lion” amid conflicting reports regarding the success of recent American strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Kochavi clarified that damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not merely a targeted hit but rather a systemic blow.
Commitment to National Security
Kochavi emphasized that the Iranian nuclear project has suffered significant setbacks, asserting, “We will not allow Iran to produce weapons of mass destruction.” He outlined three primary Iranian military initiatives.
- Nuclear Program: This program has reached critical stages, entailing a rapid capability to develop nuclear weapons.
- Long-Range Missile Program: This initiative aims to produce thousands of missiles intended to target Israeli territory, posing threats to national stability and civilian life.
- Destruction of Israel: Kochavi highlighted that Iran is advancing plans rooted in “massive fire and multi-front ground invasion operations” aimed explicitly at annihilating Israel.
Existential Threats and Military Achievements
Kochavi characterized these programs not as theoretical ideas but as genuine existential threats to Israel’s survival. He cataloged the significant achievements of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against Iran’s missile projects, noting that they have neutralized hundreds of launchers and missiles, causing a considerable delay in Iran’s military strengthening.
Israeli Military Advancements
The Chief of Staff noted that the IDF has achieved intelligence, technological, and aerial superiority, stating, “We have gained complete control over Iranian airspace and anywhere we chose to operate.” He further disclosed that these operations were facilitated by the integration and strategies executed by air and ground commando forces, which operated covertly within enemy territory to create operational freedom.
This assessment by Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi underscores ongoing tensions and military activities concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the strategic responses of the Israeli military