"We Are Ready": IDF Chief Drills Missile Attack Scenario Amid Iran Threats

Israel's Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited the Arrow battalion of the Air Defense Corps on Thursday evening to assess operational readiness and participate in a high-stakes exercise simulating a large-scale missile attack on the country. Accompanied by the commander of the Air Defense Corps, Brigadier General K., and other senior officers, Zamir examined the unit's preparedness and joined battery commanders in running through the scenario of incoming ballistic missiles.

According to the IDF Spokesperson's statement, the visit focused on evaluating the battalion's immediate response capabilities and reinforcing the importance of maintaining peak readiness across all air defense systems. Zamir spoke directly with commanders and soldiers, stressing the critical role of constant vigilance. "The IDF is alert to protect the citizens of the country and will act with force to thwart threats on all fronts," he declared. He further assured the public, "It is important that every citizen in Israel knows that the IDF is constantly prepared to defend the country. We adapt our readiness according to a responsible and considered situational assessment." Zamir highlighted the integrated strength of Israel's defenses, adding, "The Air Force, together with the rest of the IDF forces, constitutes the protective wall for our citizens and the guarantee of our security."

The timing of the drill carries particular weight given the ongoing regional tensions and explicit concerns about a possible Iranian missile response to developments involving US or Israeli actions. The Arrow system, designed specifically to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, forms a cornerstone of Israel's multi-layered air defense network, which also includes Iron Dome for short-range rockets, David's Sling for medium threats, and advanced early-warning radars. Recent months have seen repeated tests and deployments of these systems amid threats from Iran and its proxy networks, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

Zamir's hands-on participation underscores the IDF's emphasis on deterrence through demonstrated capability and rapid response. By personally observing the exercise, the chief of staff sent a clear message both domestically and to potential adversaries that Israel's defenses remain fully operational and calibrated to meet any escalation. The visit aligns with broader military preparations, including daily coordination with allies and continuous situational updates, to ensure layered protection against the full spectrum of aerial threats. As Iran continues to face internal unrest and external pressures, the IDF maintains that its air defense forces stand ready to neutralize incoming projectiles and safeguard civilian life across the country.