IDF chief explains decision to strike Iran after intense cabinet meeting

Zamir described the meeting as highly charged, saying the cabinet secretary recited a prayer for the safety of IDF personnel before ministers approved the operation by a show of hands.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that Israel’s decision to strike Iran in June was approved in the early morning hours after an intense cabinet deliberation, as Israeli Air Force pilots were already airborne awaiting final orders.

Speaking at the 191st Israeli Air Force Pilots’ Course graduation ceremony at Hatzerim Air Base, Zamir recounted how he presented the final operational plan to the cabinet during the night between June 12 and June 13.

He described the meeting as highly charged, saying the cabinet secretary recited a prayer for the safety of IDF personnel before ministers approved the operation by a show of hands.

According to Zamir, senior military commanders immediately departed Jerusalem for IDF headquarters following the vote, entering the command bunker while pilots were already circling in the air.

Intelligence updates continued in real time, forcing adjustments to missions even as aircraft were en route. “At 2:55, dozens of strikes hit their targets with great precision,” Zamir said, marking the launch of Operation Rising Lion.

He said the operation involved a broad and coordinated effort, including aerial refueling, intelligence units, helicopters on standby, special forces, and ground crews, describing the Israeli Air Force as operating at the highest level of professionalism and serving as Israel’s long-range strategic arm.

Addressing the graduating pilots, Zamir said their three-year training period had ended, but their responsibility was only beginning. He told them that future operational missions, including confronting existential threats to Israel, would now rest on their shoulders.

Zamir also recalled briefing pilots ahead of the Iran strike on the risks involved, warning that not all aircraft would return. He said the pilots responded unanimously: “We are ready for the mission. You can rely on us!” Zamir said that response reflected the spirit enabling the IDF to confront threats on multiple fronts.

Referring to the failure of Oct.7, Zamir said the Israeli Air Force and Ground Forces have since operated with unprecedented precision and scope, both near and far. He said the IDF continues to examine its shortcomings while applying lessons learned, adding, “We will learn from the failure, but we will not sink into it.”

Zamir said Israel remains committed to acting decisively against those who seek to harm it, invoking the principle of striking those who rise to kill. He concluded by honoring fallen soldiers, pledging continued support for the wounded, and noting that the mission remains incomplete until SFC Ran Gvili is returned to rest in Israel.