Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Omer Tischler revealed that a massive strike planned against hundreds of targets in Iran was called off just one hour before aircraft were set to take off. The disclosure came in a letter to Air Force personnel summarizing last week’s events and the Air Force’s operations in the Iranian arena.
According to Tischler, the events began after a strike carried out in Dahiyeh, Beirut, which prompted Iran to launch dozens of surface-to-surface missiles at Israel. He noted that the air defense system successfully intercepted all relevant threats and that there were no casualties in Israel.
While defending Israeli airspace, the Air Force simultaneously operated inside Iranian territory. “The Air Force launched an attack 1,500 kilometers from home,” Tischler wrote. According to him, within just a few hours, dozens of targets in Iran were struck, including components of the air defense system and additional targets linked to the Iranian regime.
The Air Force chief then revealed that the following day, preparations were underway for a far larger operation. “At midday, the entire Air Force was ready to launch a massive strike,” he wrote. According to him, the force had completed arming, planning, and preparation to strike hundreds of targets deep inside Iran, while significantly shortening readiness times.
However, the operation was halted at the last moment. “The strike was stopped while crews were still being briefed in the squadrons, just one hour before departure for the mission,” he wrote.
In his letter, Tischler also addressed recent political developments and understandings reached between the United States and Iran. “It’s too early to know how global moves will affect the security reality,” he noted, emphasizing that the Air Force’s mission remains defending Israel’s security.
He concluded by praising Air Force personnel for their recent performance. “You’ve proven once again flexibility, speed, and power in defense and offense, in planning and execution,” he wrote, adding that the Air Force will continue operating to ensure the security of Israeli citizens.