Though Limited, Israel’s Highly Successful Attack Leaves Iran More Vulnerable than Ever

Iran Knew an Attack Was Coming, Yet It Could Do Nothing to Stop Israeli Jets from Carrying Out Their Operation Deliberately and Systematically

An Israeli Air Force Boeing 707 tanker demonstrates mid-air refueling with F-15s at a 2017 Israeli air show. Israeli fighter planes refueled during their strikes on Iran on Oct. 26, 2024.

An Israeli Air Force Boeing 707 tanker demonstrates mid-air refueling with F-15s at a 2017 Israeli air show. Israeli fighter planes refueled during their strikes on Iran on Oct. 26, 2024.

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Israeli officials aren’t speaking much about the airstrikes in Iran on early Saturday morning, but that doesn’t detract from the significance of the operation.

It seems to have gone off exactly as planned, with no losses on the Israeli side. That in and of itself is a major accomplishment.

The risks inherent in operations 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Israeli airspace are daunting. A minor complication can turn into a life-and-death challenge.

The strikes were planned with the assumption that the fighter jets would be able to refuel near Iran. But if a small component in the refuel system malfunctioned, or a plane’s engine failed, a pilot would face a dangerous landing in likely enemy territory. Almost all the support and emergency capabilities the Israeli Air Force can bring to bear in operations over Gaza and Lebanon would be irrelevant so far from the country’s border.

As far as we know, however, no significant malfunctions took place, a testament not only to the skill of Israel’s pilots but also to the professionalism of IAF maintenance and support personnel.

Read the full article at the Times of Israel.

Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, where he also covers Christian Affairs. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and taught at Salahuddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Berman is a reserve captain in the IDF’s Commando Brigade and served in a Bedouin unit during his active service.
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