The Iranian regime was reportedly taken by surprise by the attack launched this morning on Iran, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. In an unusual move, the strikes were carried out during daylight hours rather than at night, as has been customary in previous military operations.
Brigadier General Elias Hanna, a military and strategic expert, stated that strategic surprise was largely absent at the geopolitical and military levels, given the scale of defensive preparations and military mobilisation. However, he explained that the element of surprise lay in the operational and tactical dimension, particularly in the nature of the targets selected.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Brigadier Hanna noted that the strikes did not focus on air defence systems, as is typically the case. Instead, they precisely targeted the Iranian military apparatus, concentrating on the capital, Tehran, and other strategic sites. The operation, he said, appears aimed at reducing the readiness of Iran’s military and security establishment.
Hanna further explained that the success of such targeting depends on the accuracy of intelligence. If the operation proves effective, it could negatively affect the military preparedness of the Iranian regime. He noted, however, that Iran’s Supreme Leader had previously appointed replacements in sensitive positions to ensure continuity of military leadership following past wars and recent protests.
The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the Israeli army deployed the 91st Division along the border with Lebanon and called up reserve forces, as part of efforts to strengthen internal security in anticipation of any potential escalation in response to the air strikes.
Why Saturday?
In the same context, Dr Ali Al Aawar, an expert on Israeli affairs, said that Israel’s choice of Saturday to carry out the strikes on Iran was strategic. Civilian activity on that day is generally lower, and the Israeli public is in what he described as a “near complete calm”, reducing the risks of any potential reaction involving Iranian missiles or hypersonic projectiles.
He told Al Jazeera Mubasher that Israel’s Home Front Command had completed its emergency instructions, while Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel is in a state of maximum alert. He added that the pre emptive operation is being carried out in full coordination with the United States.
Israeli media and statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the objective of the strikes is not merely the targeting of military sites, but the change and overthrow of the Iranian regime. According to the declared aims of the operation, “there is no alternative to toppling the regime”.
