Senior IDF officials commented on the Israeli strikes in Iran, saying: "The Air Force launched a historic preemptive attack and we will remove this existential threat from the State of Israel. The move was planned during the difficult multi-front war. This is not an operation. This is a planned war in a dangerous maneuver 1500 km from home." They added: "The attack began with the elimination of senior officials and scientists. This is an evolving action and we are responsible for preserving the continuity of Israel's and the IDF's functioning. We chose the best operational timing for us. We attacked the facility in Natanz and would not have attacked it without the ability to accomplish the mission."