Details of 'Plan Tornado': Israel Reveals Covert Strikes Inside Iran

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday revealed the extensive scope and strategic intent behind Operation Rising Lion, a high-impact military campaign launched on June 12 targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military command. The briefing, first reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, marked the first official confirmation of the breadth of the Israeli campaign, which Katz said was aimed at crippling Iran’s ability to launch a pre-emptive strike.

“This operation significantly disrupted Iran’s nuclear weapons development,” Katz said, adding, “We chose to strike first—before hundreds of missiles could be launched at us.”

Operation Rising Lion included multiple phases and was the result of months of classified planning and coordination with the United States. According to Katz, the mission began with Operation Red Wedding, a precision airstrike targeting key figures within Iran’s security apparatus. This was followed by Operation Narnia, which focused on eliminating nuclear scientists and dismantling Iran’s command and control systems.

A centerpiece of the strategy, Operation Tornado, targeted Tehran directly and resulted in the death of several senior Iranian officials, including Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ air force. Katz emphasized that Israeli aircraft executed the strikes using advanced real-time intelligence, exploiting vulnerabilities in Iran’s limited air defense systems. “They are exposed—and they know it,” he stated.

The defense minister noted that while Iran had been aware of a potential Israeli move, it failed to take effective countermeasures. The Israeli Air Force achieved full operational readiness by June 9, just days before the strike. According to Israeli assessments, the operation likely preempted a major Iranian offensive that was in the final stages of planning.

Katz argued that Israel’s newly demonstrated air superiority over Iranian territory now serves as a long-term deterrent. “We demonstrated extraordinary capabilities. We must preserve those achievements,” he said, warning that while parts of Iran’s nuclear program could eventually be rebuilt, the strategic message had been delivered.

In the same briefing, Katz elaborated on Israel’s plans for postwar Gaza, proposing the creation of a humanitarian zone for civilians south of the Morag corridor, to be managed by an international body. He reaffirmed Israel’s control over approximately 70% of Gaza and the intent to maintain military oversight until all hostages are returned. Katz also confirmed that Israel is actively seeking international partners to accept Palestinian emigrants, describing this as a long-term strategic objective.

On the issue of humanitarian aid, Katz addressed recent reports of internal cabinet disputes, clarifying that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich objected only to Hamas involvement in distribution mechanisms. Katz said the Israeli government plans to expand the number of aid distribution sites to eight, with the IDF responsible solely for securing these zones.

Elsewhere, Katz confirmed ongoing military activity against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-linked militias in Syria. He revealed that Israeli forces thwarted an attack by an Iranian proxy cell in Syria just one day prior to his statement. “Our presence in Syria remains essential,” Katz noted.

Regarding Yemen, Katz reiterated Israel’s stance against a protracted conflict with Houthi forces. He rejected claims that Israel was urging the United States to engage militarily, stating, “We will not tie the U.S. to the Houthis,” while emphasizing that most of the damage inflicted on the group has been economic in nature.

Katz concluded by stressing the broader implications of Operation Rising Lion for Israel’s deterrence strategy, asserting that the operation had redefined the strategic balance in the region.