Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed that Iran had planned to launch a massive pre-emptive strike against Israel — a barrage of 400 to 500 ballistic missiles. According to him, Israel managed to strike first, outpacing the enemy.
It is worth recalling that in the months leading up to the war, Iran repeatedly declared its intent to attack Israel in a campaign it dubbed The True Promise III. In those statements, an even larger number of missiles was mentioned — up to a thousand.
At the time, Iran was believed to possess around 400 launchers, some of which could fire multiple missiles in succession. Thus, the claim of 500 missiles ready for launch appears quite credible.
In a scenario involving a surprise Iranian attack — G-d forbid — when it might have taken the Israeli Air Force several hours to mobilise and respond, Iran could have used this time window to launch a second wave — another 500 ballistic missiles.
The total: up to 1,000 ballistic missiles in two consecutive waves. And this figure does not even account for hundreds of cruise missiles and numerous drones.
According to information published in the early days of the Israeli operation, Iran had also planned a simultaneous launch of 600 unmanned aerial vehicles and around 150 cruise missiles — in addition to the 800 to 1,000 ballistic missiles mentioned above.
And from all of this, we were saved by immense miracles and the mercy of the Almighty — blessed be His Name!
Clear miracles surrounded us from all sides throughout the 12-day war with a regional power, during which the home front became the front line.
Thanks to these great miracles and wonders, none of the horrific scenarios — for which the IDF and government had prepared — came to pass. Let us recall that even the most optimistic scenario anticipated 800 fatalities! And the pessimistic estimate reached 4,000, G-d forbid!
A miracle among miracles! Let me remind you of the promise of the Rebbe, the King Moshiach, that the Land of Israel is the safest place in the world.
Military Achievements
The Iranian command suffered heavy losses! As a result of the Israeli air campaign: 1. The top military leadership of Iran and the IRGC was eliminated, including the Chief of General Staff, his deputy, and the commander of the IRGC. 2. The command of the Iranian Air Force was almost completely destroyed. 3. Heads of intelligence services and their deputies — both in the army and the IRGC — were eliminated.
Drones: Near-total Air Defence Effectiveness. Reports indicate that Israeli forces achieved a 99.99% success rate in intercepting UAVs. Is this not a miraculous wonder, concealed within the natural course of events? Over 1,100 drones were intercepted, with an additional 1,000 destroyed by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.
Air Superiority: Not a Single Aircraft Lost! The Israeli Air Force destroyed: 1. Over 80 air defence batteries — with zero aircraft losses. 2. Dozens of radar systems and other components of early warning and control networks. 3. As a result, Israel achieved full dominance in Iranian airspace. It is estimated that it will take Iran at least two years to restore its air defence capabilities.
Losses to Iran’s Air Force and Infrastructure: 1. Dozens of fighter jets, attack helicopters, and two refuelling planes were destroyed. 2. Hangars and maintenance facilities were targeted, and many combat aircraft were destroyed. 3. Over 250 ballistic missile launchers were eliminated. 4. At least 800 missiles were rendered unusable (200 at launch sites, hundreds in warehouses, the rest buried under rubble at bases and tunnels).
Loss of Iranian Military Personnel. According to estimates: 1. Around 1,000 members of the Iranian armed forces, IRGC, and Basij militia were killed in the strikes. 2. Hundreds of IRGC operatives were eliminated in attacks on headquarters. 3. Several thousand additional fighters and activists were wounded and rendered incapacitated.
Strike on the Nuclear Programme: 1. All key Iranian scientists involved in nuclear bomb development were eliminated. 2. Main nuclear facilities were destroyed or fully neutralised. 3. Numerous other sites across the country were subjected to massive strikes.
The list of vast achievements and successes is much longer, and we may return to it in detail in the coming days. Nevertheless, the ceasefire was likely imposed on us, against our will to continue fighting for at least a few more days.
Moreover, it’s possible we were on the verge of completely defeating Iran and toppling its regime — but that opportunity was not seized. Therefore, it is now critically important to establish a control mechanism over Iran that will prevent it from restoring its destroyed nuclear project.
What Should Be Done Now?
Put simply: we must move towards a nuclear agreement — one that includes the United States and thoroughly addresses the issue of ballistic missiles (we have all seen how dangerous they are, and it is absolutely essential that any agreement include restrictions on them).
At this point, reports suggest that Netanyahu intends to travel to the United States to influence the proposed nuclear agreement, while Defence Minister Katz stated that he has ordered the IDF to prepare a plan for “control” — in relation to Iran — of any attempt to develop nuclear weapons or restore long-range missile production facilities.
As for us — we can only pray for their success.
And one more thing — let us all give thanks to the Almighty for the miracles we are witnessing before our eyes, for the collapse of our bitterest enemies, for the wondrous signs of salvation, and for the honour of being part of such a unique generation, in such a unique time — a time when the supernatural seamlessly merges with the natural world, allowing us to clearly understand: we are standing at the threshold of Redemption, and with G-d’s help, soon and without delay — we shall merit its completion!