Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces [Photo courtesy of the IDF]

Israel has destroyed 60% of missile launchers and over 80% of air defense systems through concentrated airstrikes on major Iranian military facilities, Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, announced on the 5th (local time).

In a statement, Zamir said, "Over the past 24 hours, our pilots have paved the way to Tehran. We have destroyed over 80% of Iran's air defense network, gaining air superiority."

He further explained, "To date, Israeli Air Force pilots have conducted 2,500 bombing sorties and dropped over 6,000 bombs."

Zamir assessed, "Thanks to quality intelligence, we have struck ballistic missiles that directly threaten Israeli citizens. We have neutralized or destroyed over 60% of ballistic missile launchers. This is a tremendous achievement that has reduced damage to the home front and saved many lives."

He also stated, "All missiles are deadly. That threat has not been completely removed yet," signaling an intention to continue attacks targeting Iranian missile launchers and other assets.

Zamir continued, "Following a surprise strike that gained ground superiority and overwhelmed ballistic missiles, we have initiated our next phase of operations."

He presented the next objective of the Israel Defense Forces as "striking the foundations and military capabilities of the Iranian regime" and emphasized, "We have another surprising plan in store."