IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated after the military strike on Iran began that "We launched an attack because the time has come, we reached the point of no return. We cannot wait for another time to act, we have no choice. Distant and recent history has taught us that in the face of aspirations to destroy us, we must not bow our heads, and thus we fight to preserve our existence. Freedom is given to those who are willing to fight for it." He warned: "Anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price. We enter this battle together with one goal in mind - to bring a safer future for the State of Israel and its citizens. With faith, together and with joint effort, we will win."