What Happened
In a remarkable show of its defense capability, Israel successfully launched air strikes on Iranian soil, disabling major radar systems and Russian-made S-300 air defense systems. This action severely limited Iran’s ability to launch ballistic missile barrages against Israel, providing significant and strategic advantages to Israeli national security.
Why It Matters
This preemptive action by Israel has been instrumental in preserving stability within its borders by dismantling the Iranian threat of missile attacks. By neutralizing three of Iran’s Russian-made S-300 systems and previously deactivating another, Israel nullifies Iranian aerial defenses. This strategic move not only protected Israel from potential future missile threats but also cast a blow to the Iranian and Russian defense cooperation narrative.
Strategic Impact
The Israeli strikes were not just reactive; they played a crucial part in significantly weakening Iran’s missile capabilities, which Iran had used against Israel earlier this year. By targeting both radars and missile production sites, particularly areas with solid fuel mixers essential to missile development, Israel hampered Iran’s capacity to retaliate militarily within the foreseeable future.
The Big Picture
The successful strikes sent a powerful message that Israel will decisively protect its sovereignty against potential threats and showcase its military prowess. As a senior Israeli official observed, the operation eradicated “the majority of Iran’s air defenses,” leaving Iran in a vulnerable position. Amos Hochstein, an adviser to President Biden, reinforced this by describing Iran as “essentially naked,” strategically vulnerable after the Israeli operation.
What They’re Saying
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi issued a stern warning, emphasizing that should Iran attempt to attack again, Israel has capabilities that went unused but ready. He assured that any further aggression from Iran would be met with an unprecedented and overwhelming response, demonstrating Israel’s readiness to defend its citizens and state.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.