IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said at the memorial candle-lighting ceremony at the Western Wall plaza that "we have embarked on an unprecedented campaign against the Iranian regime, which for years has built a plan to destroy the State of Israel and developed practical capabilities to realize it. To achieve the vision, deep partnership in the security mission and burden-sharing are required from all parts of the nation." He added that "I have had the privilege of commanding the campaign that requires us to make fateful decisions every hour. I draw the strength to do this from the spirit and courage of the fighters and commanders. An army that is flesh of the flesh of this people."