In a dramatic late-night briefing, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Israel struck and destroyed key elements of Iran’s air defense infrastructure and eliminated top figures within the Islamic Republic’s military leadership. The unprecedented announcement followed the launch of Operation Im KeLavi, Israel’s largest military strike against Iran to date.
“Tonight, under the direction of the political echelon, we launched Operation Im KeLavi,” Brig. Gen. Hagari declared. “In a coordinated and precise strike deep in enemy territory, our air force attacked military and nuclear-related targets throughout various regions of Iran. These attacks are still ongoing.”
According to Hagari, the mission was executed by 200 fighter jets, which deployed over 330 munitions on more than 100 targets across Iran.
Among those killed in the strikes, he said, were the Iranian Chief of Staff, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri; Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami; and Emergency War Room Chief Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid. “Other senior commanders were also eliminated. We will release further details as permitted.”
One of the most significant aspects of the operation, Hagari added, was the successful targeting of Iranian air defense systems. “We attacked and severely damaged the regime’s air defense arrays,” he said. “This was the optimal timing to act, based on our ongoing intelligence monitoring and the growing existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”
In a major revelation, Hagari disclosed that Israeli intelligence had recently uncovered a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program. “Senior Iranian nuclear scientists have been conducting covert experiments to advance all components necessary to build a nuclear bomb. This is unequivocal proof that the regime is racing toward nuclear armament in the near term.”
He outlined what he called the threefold threat posed by the Iranian regime:
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Nuclear advancement: “Iran is rapidly progressing toward nuclear weapons capabilities.”
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Ballistic missiles: “Iran currently possesses thousands of ballistic missiles, and plans to double or triple that number. This alone constitutes an existential danger.”
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Regional proxy warfare: “Iran continues to fund, arm, and direct its proxies across the Middle East—including Hezbollah and Hamas—toward Israel’s destruction.”
The strike, Hagari said, was a direct response to what intelligence has revealed as a coordinated plan by Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other axis groups to launch widespread, targeted fire at Israel, with the ultimate goal of a full-scale ground invasion from multiple borders.
“Our operation is designed to neutralize that threat,” he said. “We’ve prepared for this mission for a long time. In recent months, unprecedented steps were taken to enable the Israeli Air Force to strike from extraordinary distances. This operation was made possible by advanced intelligence breakthroughs that penetrated deep into enemy territory.”
He added that the IDF Chief of Staff is now commanding the operation in real time, along with the heads of Operations, Military Intelligence, and the Air Force. Israel remains on high alert.
“In the past few hours, Iran has launched over 100 UAVs toward Israeli territory,” Hagari reported. “All defense systems are fully active and working to intercept any threat. This is not a routine event—it is unlike anything we have experienced before.”
Addressing the Israeli public, he warned: “Difficult hours are ahead. We must remain resilient and patient. This is a test of our national endurance. Stay close to protected spaces. These instructions save lives.”
Responding to media questions, Hagari confirmed the early activation of air raid sirens nationwide even before Iran launched its counterattack. “This is a different kind of incident,” he explained. “We needed to condition the public and ensure preparedness.”
On the question of whether Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is a target, Hagari stated: “The individuals we have targeted so far are at the heart of Iran’s military leadership. I won’t elaborate further for now.”
He declined to provide specifics on whether Israeli forces have successfully destroyed large portions of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles or nuclear sites, saying only that additional updates will be provided as confirmed.
In closing, Hagari reaffirmed the gravity of the moment: “We are united in purpose. I will continue to keep you updated. Listen to Home Front Command instructions. This is a different kind of event, and following the guidelines is critical—it saves lives.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
