IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declared Thursday that Israel remains on constant alert for threats from Iran and Lebanon, warning that any attack on the Jewish state will be met with “overwhelming force.” Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the 192nd Israeli Air Force Pilots Course, Zamir praised the Air Force’s wartime achievements, reflected on the lessons of October 7, and outlined an ambitious expansion of Israel’s aerial capabilities.

Opening his address, Zamir said that Israel’s most celebrated military operations are united by a common spirit of boldness, innovation, and courage.

“a clear line of initiative, creativity, professionalism, and heroic courage connects the chapters of exemplary operations of the IDF and the Air Force over the years.”

He pointed to landmark missions including the Entebbe hostage rescue, the Second Lebanon War, and Operations Rising Lion and Roaring Lion, describing them as proof of Israel’s technological superiority and the Air Force’s ability to adapt to evolving threats.

“are a demonstration of Israel’s unique offensive and defensive technological might, a testament to the Israel Air Force’s unique ability to reinvent itself against every threat, to turn the impossible into a sophisticated operational plan, and to execute it with remarkable precision at the moment of truth.”

Zamir emphasized that the military’s successes were made possible through close coordination among every branch of the armed forces.

“Everyone works together for a joint goal.”

Reflecting on the scope of recent combat operations, he said Israel’s Air Force has carried out an extraordinary range of missions across multiple fronts.

“It is difficult to describe in words the multi-arena missions conducted by IAF pilots in the skies of the Middle East in the past two and a half years. We struck every arena.”

Detailing those accomplishments, Zamir said Israel achieved overwhelming control of the skies, allowing the Air Force to operate wherever necessary while carrying out devastating strikes against Iran’s military leadership and strategic assets.

“We achieved air superiority that allowed us to fly over any area to our choosing. In a surprise attack, we eliminated the leaders of the ayatollah regime, the nuclear officials, the weapons industry, the surface-to-air missile batteries, and the surface-to-surface launchers. We turned the third perimeter into a first perimeter and caused the enemy in Gaza, Beirut, Sanaa, and Tehran to feel the same sense of persecution.”

He also credited the Air Force’s defensive operations with helping Israel continue fighting while preventing major threats from fully materializing.

“At the same time, the IAF also led the aerial defense effort with unprecedented success rates that allowed us to continue to fight. We distanced the existential threats a short time before they became tangible.”

Zamir highlighted the close military partnership between Israel and the United States, describing the cooperation as historic.

“in a unique collaboration between the IDF and the US Military, our ally, the biggest superpower in the world, we flew wing-to-wing… a historic joint combat procedure which led to unprecedented capabilities that proved the IAF’s purpose: to be Israel’s strategic and multi-arena wing.”

Addressing the newly commissioned pilots, Zamir urged them to carry forward the legacy established by those who came before them.

“Dear graduates, today you inherit this proud legacy-to dare, to innovate, to surprise, and to achieve victory.”

At the same time, he stressed that the military has not forgotten the devastating failures surrounding Hamas’ October 7 massacre and has undertaken an exhaustive effort to learn from those mistakes.

“We never forget our point of departure. The failure of October 7 will forever be remembered as a national disaster and a systemic failure. We looked directly at the root causes of the shortcomings throughout the IDF, and we did the same within the Air Force. Without compromise, and with the required humility, we worked to uncover the truth, internalize the lessons, and implement them. As a result, we remain constantly prepared and alert in accordance with the evolving security assessment.”

Warning that the threat environment remains volatile, Zamir revealed that the Air Force continues to maintain a high level of readiness.

“in recent weeks, hundreds of Air Force aircraft have been on immediate takeoff alert,” adding, “Even at this moment, we are closely monitoring developments in Iran and Lebanon and are prepared for immediate action. Against anyone who attempts to harm us, we will respond with overwhelming force.”

He also noted a major transformation in cooperation between the Air Force and Israel’s ground forces during the current conflict.

“A major change that has taken place within the Air Force over the past two and a half years is the deep partnership with the ground forces. Fighter jets and attack helicopters carried out thousands of strikes during the ground campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, providing closer support than ever before to maneuvering forces. ‘Sa’ar’ helicopters transported troops to the front lines and evacuated wounded soldiers directly from the battlefield.”

Zamir paused to honor those who lost their lives or were wounded during the war, paying tribute to their sacrifice and the resilience of their families.

“‘Even a fist was once an open hand and fingers,’ wrote the poet Yehuda Amichai, and we remember that well. We remember the fallen, our finest sons and daughters, who gave their lives in fierce battles. We embrace the bereaved families and stand alongside those wounded in body and spirit, who bear the scars of war. Their memory and heroism are the compass that obligates us to continue, to fight, and to prevail.”

Looking ahead, Zamir said the Israeli Air Force is undergoing one of the most significant expansions in its history, with new aircraft, additional squadrons, and enhanced capabilities already being added to strengthen Israel’s long-term military advantage.

“Graduates of Pilots Course 192, our Air Force is in the midst of a dramatic force-building process, a broad expansion that is being accelerated even under fire. New squadrons are being established, we are acquiring new transport and attack helicopters, and our aerial refueling and intelligence capabilities are being enhanced to ensure Israel’s absolute air superiority for generations to come. These aircraft and these capabilities are now waiting for you. I have complete confidence in the skills you have acquired to join the ranks of our aircrews and take to the skies at any hour in defense of the homeland.”

As he concluded, Zamir reminded military leaders and the graduating pilots that leadership begins with honoring one’s word, quoting this week’s Torah portion.

“‘He shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds from his mouth.’ There is a connection between a military leader and the words that come from his mouth. Words create obligation, and the command to us is clear: Speak with genuine and pure intent, say little, do much. Let our actions speak for themselves.”

He closed by encouraging the new pilots to carry out their mission with courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the people of Israel.

“New air warriors, fly with determination, fight with courage, and always remember the justice of our cause, the depth of your responsibility, and the people on the ground for whom you serve as a shield of protection. Soar high, ‘knights of the skies, brave and noble,’ and always return home safely. Today we salute you with pride and great expectations for what lies ahead.”

{Matzav.com}