Israel Strikes Deep in Iran as “Rising Lion” Operation Enters Second Week

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to expand Operation “Rising Lion”, now in its second week, with sustained airstrikes deep into Iranian territory. According to the IDF, more than 1,000 strike sorties have been carried out by hundreds of aircraft and munitions, targeting storage and launch sites critical to Iran’s missile infrastructure.

The Israeli Air Force, in coordination with the Intelligence Directorate, has reportedly rendered more than 200 ballistic missile launchers inoperative, significantly disrupting Iran’s ability to launch attacks from western Iran. As a result, Iranian forces have been pushed to reposition their launch systems further east and south. The IDF states that operations are ongoing, with daily sorties launched to deepen gains and prevent Iran from re-accessing its launch infrastructure.

In parallel, Israel’s UAV array has destroyed dozens of additional launchers and eliminated dozens of operatives in rapid targeting cycles. These strikes, the IDF reports, have caused panic among Iranian personnel, who have been observed abandoning launch trucks and fleeing their positions.

Brig. Gen. A., commander of Hatzerim Airbase, stated: “A week ago, the Air Force launched a historic operation against Iran—the regime in Tehran that has set the destruction of the State of Israel as its goal. We will not allow that.”

He added that all regular and reserve Air Force personnel across the force’s divisions have been working closely with other IDF branches and external directorates to achieve the mission. Brig. Gen. A’ outlined four components of Israel’s defense posture: the Home Front Command, aerial defense systems, offensive operations, and national resilience.

“The Home Front Command is doing excellent work in providing alerts, intelligence, rescue, and recovery,” he said. “Aerial defense is performing miracles and intercepting the majority of missiles. The offensive component reduces rocket fire by targeting enemy missiles, weapons depots, launchers, and fighters. And the people of Israel are showing determination, pride, and strength—giving the IDF the backing it needs.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir provided further details on the operation, confirming that he gave the order to launch Rising Lion about a week ago. He described it as a necessary move to prevent a growing existential threat, saying Iran’s plans to destroy Israel had reached “a point of no return.”

“At the time of the operation’s launch, Iran possessed around 2,500 surface-to-surface missiles, with production rates expected to raise that number to 8,000 within two years,” Zamir said. “Delaying further would have risked losing the opportunity to act and forced us into a future war at a clear disadvantage.”

He said the IDF had been preparing for this operation for years, and recent months saw an accelerated buildup for what he called “one of the most complex campaigns in our history.” He added that the operation was launched in secrecy and was enabled by a temporary alignment of operational and strategic conditions.

Thanks to what Zamir called “a powerful and surprising opening blow,” the IDF reports it has eliminated senior enemy leadership, struck elements of the Iranian nuclear program, and destroyed nearly half of Iran’s missile launchers, some moments before launch.

Zamir also highlighted ongoing challenges: “We are in the midst of a multi-front war. The fighting in Gaza continues, and unfortunately, we are paying a heavy price in soldiers’ lives.” He reaffirmed the IDF’s commitment to rescuing 53 hostages held by Hamas, adding that current operations in Iran are contributing to this mission.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin provided an update on air defense, confirming recent drone infiltrations from Iran. He noted that “defense is not hermetic,” and called on the public to continue following Home Front Command instructions.

Defrin also confirmed the elimination of Saeed Izadi, head of the Palestine Corps within Iran’s Quds Force, who had played a key role in coordinating with Hamas and planning the October 7 attacks. He was killed in a safehouse in Qom following a focused intelligence effort.

In a separate strike, the IDF also eliminated Shari Shahriari, commander of Quds Force weapons transfers, and Amin Pour Joudaki, a drone commander responsible for UAV launches from southwestern Iran.

In addition, Israeli fighter jets struck a uranium reconversion facility in Isfahan, previously targeted in the campaign’s opening strike, and returned for a second round to deepen the impact. Two centrifuge production sites in Tehran were also struck, adding to the cumulative damage to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“The Iranian regime has taken heavy blows to its missile infrastructure,” Defrin concluded. “We are seeing the results and will continue to deepen the damage.”