IDF Chief Of Staff Asks Israelis To Prepare For A "Long-Term War" Against Iran

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. (Twitter/@GPOIsrael)

JAKARTA - Israeli Chief of Staff Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Israelis must prepare for a "prolonged campaign" against Iran to eliminate major threats.

In a video statement Lieutenant General Zamir said Iran had "built up a clear plan over the years to destroy the State of Israel" and in recent months, "the plan has reached a point that cannot be returned, with its ability to achieve operational capabilities," as quoted by The Times of Israel on June 20.

"We launched the campaign when Iran had about 2,500 ground-to-ground missiles, with a high production rate, so that within about two years, they are expected to have about 8,000 missiles," he said.

Lt. Gen. Zamir further said Iran's ballistic missile, the proxy in the Middle East and nuclear progress "forced us to attack and deliver a preliminary blow."

"IDF will not remain silent and witness the growing threat. As part of the growing doctrine, we will act proactively and earlier to prevent existential threats and face any challenges," he said.

Lieutenant General Zamir said the IDF had "prepared this operation over the years," and the operation was launched "a blessing of convergence of operational and strategic conditions."

"If we delay, there is a risk of losing this condition and entering operations in the future from a position that is clearly unfavorable. We understand that history will not forgive us if we fail to act now to maintain the presence of Jews in the State of Israel," he explained.

Lt. Gen. Zamir claimed the IDF's "surprisary" attack on Iran "reached extraordinary results."

"We removed the enemy's senior command, caused severe damage to the nuclear program components, opened the air corridors into Tehran, identified and destroyed about half of the missile launchers, minutes before launch, and shocked the enemy even though the alert was increasing," he explained.

"Dear Israelis, in addition to offensive operations, frontline defense continues. This is a challenge different from what we have known so far. The enemy, in its weakness, deliberately targets civilians, as we have experienced once again in the recent series of attacks. Our enemy does not understand that Israel's front line is the source of IDF power, not its weakness," he continued.

"We are preparing for a variety of possible developments. We have started the most complicated campaign in our history. We are launching this campaign to eliminate threats of this magnitude, against such enemies, which requires readiness for a prolonged campaign," he said.

"IDF is ready for this. Every day it passes, our freedom of action extends, and the enemy shrinks," said IDF Chief of Staff.

"The campaign is not over yet. Even though we have achieved significant results, challenging days are still ahead, and we must remain vigilant and united until the mission is complete," he said.

"I am confident that together, we will complete this campaign with the support of Israel," added Lt. Gen. Zamir.