Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced that Israeli airstrikes in Iran have killed “many thousands” of Iranian regime soldiers and commanders, emphasizing that Israel will continue expanding its military operations against Tehran’s forces and infrastructure. Zamir delivered the remarks during an address to Israeli Air Force crews at Tel Nof Airbase, one of Israel’s key operational hubs for ongoing air missions.

Speaking directly to the pilots responsible for carrying out the strikes, Zamir praised the air crews for their role in the campaign and underscored the scale of the damage inflicted on Iranian military leadership. “So far, we have eliminated many thousands of regime soldiers and commanders. We will continue to deepen the strikes against the regime and its military capabilities,” he said, highlighting Israel’s determination to dismantle threats directed at Israeli civilians.

The IDF chief also issued a direct warning to Israel’s adversaries across the region. “I also say from here to all our enemies, no one is immune. We will reach anyone who tries to harm Israeli civilians,” Zamir stated, reinforcing Israel’s deterrence doctrine that emphasizes swift and decisive retaliation against those responsible for attacks on its population.

The address comes amid an intensifying conflict that began with Israeli preemptive operations against Iranian targets on March 1, 2026. Since the start of the campaign, Israeli and allied forces have reportedly struck a wide array of military facilities, command centers, and strategic assets across Iran. Reports indicate that more than 1,000 targets connected to Iranian military operations have been hit during the expanding campaign.

Military analysts note that such statements are intended to strengthen deterrence and signal resolve during periods of escalating conflict. By publicly acknowledging the scale of the strikes and emphasizing that Israeli forces can reach those responsible for attacks, Israel’s leadership seeks to discourage further aggression while maintaining operational momentum.