IDF Chief of Staff on Operation Rising Lion: These are days of decision

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir released a statement to the Israeli public tonight (Thursday/Friday) following the launching of Operation Rising Lion to destroy Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities:

"Citizens of Israel, these are days of decision. We stand at the threshold of a new chapter in the campaign to secure our future. The IDF launched tonight Operation 'With Kelvia' to strike Iran's strategic threats against the State of Israel. We are in a historical campaign the likes of which has never been seen. This is a fateful campaign to prevent an existential threat from an enemy that seeks to destroy us.

"We launched the attack because the time has come, we have reached the point of no return. We must not wait for another time of action, we have no choice. Distant and recent history has taught us that in the face of aspirations to destroy us, we must not bow our heads, and from this we will fight to preserve our existence - freedom is given to those who are prepared to fight for it.

"We now require, more than ever, courage, strength of spirit, and unity within us. I promise you that the IDF's actions are being carried out from immediate operational necessity, the righteousness of the path, and action that is entirely security-focused and practical.

"We are required at this time to choose between difficult options, and be assured that all decisions are being made with great responsibility. Citizens of Israel, I do not promise you only successes. The Iranian regime will try to harm us in return, the absorption is expected to be different from what we have become accustomed to. The IDF is prepared to provide maximum defense for the Israeli home front, and I call upon you to show personal, family, and community responsibility and to heed the instructions.

"For the operation we launched tonight, we have been preparing for a long time. This involves unprecedented preparation by all branches and divisions that has reached maturity in the face of a real and tangible threat. At this time, I ask in your name to strengthen the IDF soldiers and security forces who are operating with determination and persistence in theaters both near and very far. They are defending with their bodies and souls each and every one of us. We are mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers and preparing on all borders. I warn that anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price.

"We go out to battle together with one goal before our eyes - to bring a more secure future to the State of Israel and its citizens. With faith, together and with joint effort, we will prevail. Seventy-seven years since the establishment of the State of Israel, the state of the Jewish people that arose after our people's Holocaust, we again stand facing our destiny. Unlike the past, we stand before the enemy as a state and as a regional power, with an army that has no equal in the world. Beyond technologies, means of warfare, and methods of operation, we carry with us an additional unique element - the Zionist and Jewish spirit that beats within us. In the name of this spirit and from faith in the righteousness of the path - our actions will speak."