Israel gearing up for a ‘surprise war,’ says IDF chief

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir says Israel’s Home Front Command is on high alert as the country prepares for a possible “surprise war.”

By World Israel News Staff

Israel is undertaking preparations for a possible military strike by a hostile power, the IDF chief of staff said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the commander of the Israeli military, visited the headquarters of the Home Front Command on Monday, together with Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper and additional commanders.

During the meeting, Zamir hinted that Israel could face a “surprise” attack by Iran as tensions between the two countries remain high.

“We are fully prepared defensively for every scenario,” Zamir said. “The lessons of Operation ‘Rising Lion’ have been internalized, and as part of this the IDF is also preparing for the possibility of a surprise war.”

“The combination of the Home Front Command’s capabilities together with a close partnership with local authorities and emergency organizations strengthens national resilience and ensures a response to every challenge.”

Israel is already on “high alert,” Zamir added, warning Iran that the IDF is ready to launch an unprecedented retaliatory campaign in the event of an attack.

“In light of the scope of the multi-theater threats to the State of Israel, the Home Front Command stands on defense — qualified, trained, and on high alert. The Command is ready at all times to employ a wide range of capabilities to contend with an attack on the civilian home front and to save lives.”

“At the same time, the IDF is prepared to employ an unprecedentedly powerful offensive capability against any attempt to harm the State of Israel.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made similar comments at the Knesset on Monday, vowing that if attacked by Iran, Israel would hit back “with might that Iran has not seen before.”