IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday the Israel Air Force has successfully opened an air route to Tehran over the past 24 hours, with pilots flying "at great risk, hundreds of kilometers away from Israeli territory, targeting hundreds of diverse objectives with precision," as part of Operation Rising Lion.

"In addition, we are identifying and destroying missile launchers that are firing toward our territory," he added.

Zamir also promised Israeli citizens that "anyone who harms you will pay a heavy price, anywhere and in any arena."

"We knew there would be prices to pay, and they highlight the reason we acted now, before it was too late," he added.

"The IDF is using the best systems, methods, and capabilities to minimize casualties, but this is not foolproof. Since the operation began, we have lost citizens due to Iranian missile strikes. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased and wounded," Zamir commented, while urging Israelis to follow instructions from the IDF's Home Front Command.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir issues a statement, June 15, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
"I want to express my appreciation to the Home Front Command and other security forces working together to save lives," he stated.

Israel is 'in the midst of a multi-front war'

"We are in the midst of a multi-front war," and "We do not forget for a moment our moral mission to return our hostages held by Hamas," he noted, mentioning Sgt.-Maj. Noam Shemesh, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip.