Dim Amor
After a dramatic day in which reports of an expected Israeli attack on Iran multiplied, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced tonight a "preemptive attack" by the State of Israel against the Iranian regime as part of Operation "Am Kelvia". The attack began in the late night hours and is aimed at damaging Iran's nuclear program and Tehran's missile array.
An IDF spokesperson announced that a short time ago, the IDF launched a precise and integrated preemptive attack under political leadership guidance, based on quality intelligence, with the goal of damaging Iran's nuclear program and in response to the Iranian regime's continued aggression against Israel. Dozens of Air Force aircraft completed the opening strike, which included attacking dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in various areas of Iran.
The IDF emphasized that the operation's goal is to damage Iran's nuclear program and missile systems "and not to topple the regime". A security source said that chances are increasing that the Iranian General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff, and senior nuclear scientists were thwarted in the opening strike. Less than an hour after the launch of the attack operation in Iran, an Iranian source told Reuters news agency that the Iranian leadership convened a meeting following the Israeli attacks. The Iranian network Press TV reported a number of casualties in the attacks.
Home Front Command activated an emergency alert nationwide tonight and the public was asked to remain near protected areas. Home Front Command chief, Major General Rafi Miloa, announced that "in this campaign widespread alerts are expected and there is high importance for optimal protection whether in private or public spaces". The commander emphasized the priority for safe rooms, shelters, protected spaces in educational institutions and public shelters approved by Home Front Command, and if none are nearby, one can enter a stairwell or interior room.
The IDF is preparing for the possibility of heavy barrages also from Yemen and Lebanon and for operations from Syria by pro-Iranian militias. The main operation is by the Air Force, but Home Front Command and Northern Command are on high alert. Additionally, the IDF is essentially preparing for days, possibly weeks, of de facto direct war with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The military says Iran also planned to destabilize regimes friendly to Israel.
As part of preparations for the campaign, thousands of reserve soldiers received Order 8 and were summoned to service. The main operation is carried out by the Air Force, but all military branches are on heightened alert and preparing for various scenarios.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar began tonight a marathon of political talks with his counterpart foreign ministers worldwide regarding the cabinet's decision to remove the Iranian annihilation threat and the IDF's action following it. Under the Foreign Minister's guidance, the Foreign Ministry shifted to emergency mode and opened an emergency operations room activating all Israeli missions worldwide. Israeli missions will operate politically and communicatively in all arenas to create a political legitimacy envelope for the military operation.
The IDF spokesperson emphasized that for years, Iran has promoted terrorism directly and indirectly against the State of Israel, financing and directing terrorist operations through its proxies throughout the Middle East, while advancing toward nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime is defined as the head of the axis for all terrorist operations carried out against the State of Israel since the beginning of the "Iron Swords" war, including the arming and financing of the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 events.
Iran is today closer than ever to achieving nuclear weapons. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime pose an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the entire world. The State of Israel has declared it will not allow a regime whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction.
The IDF conducted a lengthy process of assessments and preparations for the campaign on the front and home front, with civilian resilience serving as an important component in the campaign. The military is prepared to continue operating as required, and the State of Israel has the duty to act to protect its citizens and will continue to do so wherever required, as it has done in the past.
The Israel Defense Forces conducts continuous situation assessments and will inform the public of any substantial developments. The military arm emphasized that it is fully prepared for a variety of strategic scenarios, both defensively and offensively, according to the hour's requirements. Meanwhile, fighting is expected to continue in the coming days with the possibility of escalating tensions and escalation in additional arenas throughout the region.
Photo: The IDF attacked tonight in Iran, in accordance with Section 27(a) of the Copyright Law
