Israeli General: We Attacked the Islamic Republic's 'Strategic Systems'

Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, stated that in the early morning attacks on Saturday against the positions of the Islamic Republic, 'only some' of the capabilities of the Israeli army were utilized. In a statement recorded on Saturday and released on Sunday, he described Israel's message as 'very clear' and 'related to the events that have occurred across the Middle East in recent months,' emphasizing, 'We know how to reach and strike any threat, anywhere, and at any time.' Halevi added that Israel 'only used some' of its capabilities and can 'do much more' than what was done on Saturday morning. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army pointed out that the 'strategic systems' of the Iranian government were targeted in the attack, stating, 'We are prepared for all scenarios on all fronts.' In this context, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, today at an official memorial ceremony for Israeli soldiers killed on October 7 and in the subsequent war, said that Israel struck hard at the Iranian government's air defense capabilities and its ability to produce missiles that threaten Israel. He emphasized that the attacks on Saturday followed a systematic and months-long campaign to 'cut off the arms of the Iranian octopus, Hezbollah, and Hamas,' stating, 'Two days ago, we attacked the head of the Iranian regime's octopus.' According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people, saying, 'Our struggle is not against you,' but against a regime that oppresses the Iranian people and threatens the region. He continued, 'The regime must understand one simple thing: anyone who harms us, we will harm them.' The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that the attacks in Iran were 'precise and powerful and achieved all their objectives.' Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, stated that the attack was 'precise, deadly, and surprising' to the positions of the Islamic Republic, conveying the message that Israel's reach extends to all those who attempt to harm it. Gallant also emphasized that no place is out of reach for Israel. The Defense Minister also discussed the 'successful' attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic and the 'strategic opportunities' arising from these attacks in a phone call with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin. According to a statement from the Israeli Defense Minister, Gallant shared initial assessments of the success of the attacks against missile manufacturing facilities, ground-to-air missile arrays, and the air capabilities of the Islamic Republic with Austin. The Israeli army announced on Saturday morning, coinciding with sunrise in Iran, that 'precise and targeted' attacks on military objectives of the Islamic Republic in various regions of Iran had concluded and that Israeli aircraft had successfully returned to their bases. Israel dismissed the Islamic Republic's claim about the illegality of the attacks as 'ridiculous.' Reports indicate that Israel 'broke the backbone' of the Islamic Republic's missile industry. Ali Khamenei stated that the Israeli attack should not be 'downplayed.' One day after the Israeli attack on the positions of the Islamic Republic, officials stated, 'We will respond.' Exclusive reports from Reuters indicated that satellite images showed the Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic's missile facilities. Israeli media reported that the retaliatory attack by Israel paralyzed the Islamic Republic's missile capabilities.