IDF launches new phase of Iran war, confirms death of major Hezbollah operative

IDF chief Eyal Zamir: Approximately 80% of Iran’s air defense systems, over 60% of ballistic missile launchers destroyed • ‘Hezbollah made a strategic error, now paying a heavy price’

After establishing air superiority, the IDF will transition to the next phase of the war against Iran, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a Thursday evening recorded address to the public.

“We are now transitioning to the next phase of the campaign, in which we will intensify strikes against the regime’s foundations and military capabilities,” Zamir said, explaining that within the first 24 hours of Operation Roaring Lion, the IAF had “paved the way to Tehran.”

“We have additional surprise moves at our disposal that I do not intend to reveal,” Zamir stated.

Approximately 80% of Iran’s air defense systems, and more than 60% of its ballistic missile launchers, have been destroyed since the start of the operation, he went on, saying that “we are stripping the regime of its military capabilities, isolating it strategically, and bringing it to a point of weakness it has never faced before.”

“I tell you, this is a historic collaboration. Two of the world’s most powerful militaries are dominating the skies of the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism,” Zamir said.

An IDF strike which killed the head of Hezbollah’s artillery array known as Fidaa, March 5, 2026 (IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)

“Had we waited any longer, Iran would have entered a zone of immunity, and the danger would have increased.”

Zamir also expressed his condolences to the families of the US soldiers who have been killed over the past week of fighting.

IDF kills head of Hezbollah’s artillery array, Zamir warns of ‘strategic error’

Zamir also addressed the IDF’s operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, revealing that the IDF last night killed Zaid Ali Jumaa, the head of Hezbollah’s artillery array known as Fidaa, responsible for the deaths of both Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The IDF said Jumaa led a terror operation carried out against Israeli soldiers in January 2015, when an anti-tank missile killed two Givati Brigade soldiers.

Hezbollah has “made a strategic error, and contrary to the interests of the Lebanese people, chose to join the campaign. Now it is paying a heavy price,” he said.

“There will be no more equations; we will continue to act in defense of the security of the northern residents,” Zamir concluded. “We will relentlessly work to remove the threat, and we will not relent in our goal of disarming Hezbollah.”