IDF Reveals The Intel That Triggered Israel’s Most Daring Operation Against Iran
Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, achieving significant destruction and securing air dominance. The operation, driven by intelligence of Iran’s advancing nuclear threat, involved extensive strikes and coordination with the U.S., marking a pivotal moment in regional security.
On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a preemptive military campaign to neutralize Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile programs, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified as an existential threat. Intelligence gathered over months revealed Iran was enriching uranium to 60%, sufficient for multiple nuclear bombs, and planning to triple its precision missile arsenal from 2,500 to 8,000 as part of a multi-front attack strategy involving proxies and a potential ground invasion. Coordinated closely with the United States, the IDF seized a strategic window to disrupt Iran’s capabilities before they became irreversible.
Planning intensified in October 2024 amid clashes with Hezbollah. The operation targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military command, air defenses, and weapons production. Over 2,000 kilometers, the Israeli Air Force conducted over 1,500 sorties, striking 900 targets with more than 330 munitions. The campaign destroyed 80 of 100 anti-aircraft systems, half of Iran’s ground-to-ground missile launchers, 70 radar installations, six airfields, and 35 missile production sites, securing air superiority over Tehran. The IDF’s integrated effort involved air, sea, land, and intelligence units, with thousands of soldiers participating.
The operation eliminated over 30 senior Iranian defense officials, including three top military commanders, and hundreds of soldiers. Strikes on Natanz, Arak, and Isfahan destroyed thousands of centrifuges, reducing Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity by 90%. Air defenses intercepted over 99% of Iranian missiles and drones, while the Navy neutralized 30 drones. The Home Front Command issued over one million alerts and deployed 100 mobile protection units across 170 rescue sites.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated, “The IDF launched Operation Rising Lion to confront an existential threat to the state of Israel. In 12 days, we operated with accuracy and met our goals. We struck deep into Iran, setting back its military nuclear program, its ballistic missile capabilities, and eliminating those who led the effort to destroy Israel.” He highlighted U.S. coordination, noting, “During the operation, I stayed in close contact with my American counterparts. Our friendship is based on common values and a shared desire to achieve stability in the region. Operation Midnight Hammer was accurate, powerful, and had great achievements.” Zamir added, “While operating above the skies of Tehran, we stood alert on six other fronts. 50 hostages are still in captivity in Gaza in the hands of Hamas. Bringing them home and dismantling Hamas remains our mission.” He concluded, “I salute the brave men and women of the IDF who rose to the challenge with courage. Operation Rising Lion will be remembered in history as one of Israel’s most daring and successful operations. A defining moment for Israel, the Jewish people, and the world.”
