IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited the Nevatim Airbase today (Monday), two days after the base was damaged in the Iranian missile and drone attack on Saturday night.
The Chief of Staff met with the members of the 140th ("Golden Eagle") Squadron and had a conversation with the air crews and commanders in the squadron, who took part in thwarting and intercepting the Iranian attack against Israel.
"Look, in short, Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel, which is something that has not happened in the past. We prepared in Operation 'Iron Shield', and this readiness brought Iran to encounter aerial superiority that you displayed very well," the Chief of Staff said,
He added, "Last Monday, we saw what was being organized, and we think that the State of Israel is very strong and knows how to cope on its own, but with such a widespread and distant threat, we are always happy to have support, and I tell you, there was a phone call to the Commander of the United States Central Command, General Kurilla, last Monday, and by Thursday morning he had already landed in Israel. We started joint coordination. There is something in this statement - Iran is encountering here a very very strong international capability."
"Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response," he declared
"To sum up this visit, excellent people are conducting excellent processes and achieving excellent results. It is very very significant. I think you are very well prepared and I trust this capability very much going forward for what will be required,” Halevi concluded.
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