IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir revealed in a video message Wednesday evening that Israeli ground commando forces were operating inside Iranian territory during Operation Rising Lion.
It is possible – but not certain – that Zamir was referring to the presence of Mossad operatives in Iran at the start of the operation, but he chose not to clarify his remarks – and the IDF likewise declined to comment in response to requests from Israeli media.
“Israel’s military achievements in Iran “were made possible, among other things, thanks to full coordination and deception by air and ground commando forces,” Zamir revealed. “These forces operated covertly deep in enemy territory and carried out operations that granted us operational freedom of action.”
Zamir praised Israeli forces for causing “significant damage” to Iranian missile capabilities.
“We removed hundreds of launchers, and we caused a significant delay with their force buildup plans,” he said.
“In addition, we managed to achieve intelligence, technological and aerial superiority. We reached a level of operational freedom in the skies of Iran and in every location we chose to act in,” he added.