IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir made a statement to the media against the backdrop of the war with Iran, saying "This is a historic and unprecedented operation. In the last 24 hours we completed breaking an air route to Tehran and executed an aerial breakthrough. From the moment we launched the campaign, we acted with surprise and deception with the opening strike, eliminating the top military command. We will continue to increase the intensity of our actions, thereby strengthening our security for years ahead." According to him, "As I said at the beginning, there would be difficult events. We knew there would be prices to pay, and they illustrate the reason why we acted now before it was too late. I promise you - anyone who harms you will pay a heavy price, anywhere and in any arena."