The Chief of Staff stated regarding the F-35: "Missiles into Israeli territory will be met with a response""

April 15, 2024   

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke tonight (Monday) at the Nevatim base with reporters from the foreign media and declared that "Iran's attack has created new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East." Halevi said: "Over the weekend, Iran carried out a large-scale attack against Israel. More than 350 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, armed explosive drones and rockets were fired from the territory of Iran, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon at the State of Israel. A coalition operated in the skies of the Middle East to stop this attack, and thus the IDF launched Operation Iron Shield." He emphasized: "Israel Defense Forces forces, together with the United States Central Command, British military forces, French military forces and other partners, operated together in real time - in the air, on land and at sea. The defense systems were activated, the threats were intercepted and Iran's attack on Israel failed. Operation Iron Shield proved the strength of our cooperation. "I want to thank all of our international partners who stood up to the Iranian attack. Iran's attack created new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East. We are conducting situation assessments and remain at the highest level of readiness. Iran will be required to deal with the consequences of its actions. We will choose our response accordingly. The IDF is ready to deal with any threat from Iran and its terrorist branches. Our mission - to defend the State of Israel." Before that, the Chief of Staff toured the 140th Adir Squadron and held a discussion with the air crews and commanders in the squadron, who took part in thwarting and intercepting the Iranian attack against Israel as part of Operation Iron Shield. "Look, in short, Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel - this is something that did not happen in the past. We prepared for Operation Iron Shield, and this preparation also brought Iran to meet air superiority, which you expressed very well," said Halevi. He added: "Last Monday we saw what was being organized, and we think that the State of Israel is very strong and knows how to deal with it alone, but with such a great and distant threat, we are always happy to have with us, and I tell you, a phone call to the commander of the American Central Command, General Korila, last Monday, Thursday morning he had already landed in Israel, we began joint coordination. There is something in this statement - Iran is meeting a very, very strong international capability here. "Look, we are looking ahead, we are considering our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response," emphasized Halevi. "Let's sum up this visit, excellent people are carrying out excellent processes and bringing about excellent results. This is very, very evident. "I think you are well prepared and I very, very much trust this ability going forward for whatever is required.".