Overview
- Eyal Zamir said the Israeli cabinet approved the Iran operation during a late-night meeting by a show of hands after what he called a dramatic discussion.
- He recounted that Operation Rising Lion began at 02:55 with dozens of precision strikes as senior commanders raced from Jerusalem to the IDF command bunker.
- Missions were altered mid-flight as intelligence teams updated targets, with aerial refueling, helicopters on standby, special forces, and ground crews supporting the raid.
- Before the launch, pilots were warned that some aircraft could be lost, and Zamir said they answered, “We are ready for the mission. You can rely on us.”
- Zamir spoke at the 191st pilot course graduation, noting ongoing IDF reviews and leadership changes, including approval of Omer Tishler as the next air force commander and a pledge to return SFC Ran Gvili.