Defense Minister Katz And IDF Chief Of Staff Praise Israel-Iran War As Historical Milestones

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Israel, Israel Katz and Israeli Chief of Staff Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir released a separate statement praising Israel's achievements during Operation "Rising Lion" as a historic turning point in Israel's defense against Iran's most dangerous threat, following a joint situation assessment.

Defense Minister Katz praised the operation as a strategic victory.

"The IDF achieved extraordinary success in thwarting Iran's nuclear program and missile production system, two of which pose the greatest danger to Israel," Defense Minister Katz said, quoted by The Times of Israel July 4.

"IDF must prepare itself both intelligencely and operationally to ensure air superiority over Tehran and to prevent Iran from rebuilding its capabilities," he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Zamir echoed the sentiment, calling the operation a decisive moment in Israel's security history.

"Operation Rising Lion is a decisive milestone in the campaign for the security of the State of Israel," he explained.

"This once again shows the strength of the IDF, the depth of its operational capabilities, and the determination of the Israeli people to maintain their existence," he added.

Lieutenant General Zamir said the operation had been prepared for years, built on "a thousand hours of planning, intelligence gathering, and training."

"In recent months, intelligence has become sharper, capabilities are getting more mature, and the plan is becoming feasible. Air Force aircraft control the sky over Tehran, intelligence shows extraordinary capabilities, and our air defenses protect the front lines," he said.

Reflecting on the broader war since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Lieutenant General Zamir added, "The operation is over, but the campaign is not over yet."