Israel is preparing for further military confrontations with Iran, anticipating surprises that will require advances in defense and combat systems, according to a senior defense official.
Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, said the country should expect additional rounds of conflict with Tehran.
His comments follow Israel’s June airstrikes deep inside Iran, which targeted senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, Revolutionary Guard missile bases, and radar installations. Iran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles against Israel.
Baram stated that the 12-day conflict ended with a decisive Israeli victory, but emphasized that future clashes with Iran are inevitable. He explained that Iran’s leadership remains intact, feels humiliated, and is channeling vast resources into defense and accelerating its military buildup.
To maintain Israel’s military edge, Baram outlined a three-stage strategy: short-term procurement and supply, medium-term readiness for the next decade, and long-term development of weapons systems capable of reshaping future battlefields.
He also revealed plans to establish a Supreme Armament Council, a body designed to accelerate preparations for potential wars with Iran and other distant adversaries.
Baram stressed the need to prepare now for unforeseen challenges and special operations, urging a fundamental change in how Israel develops and acquires critical defense technologies.
Despite recent cancellations of defense deals by some nations, Baram disclosed that Israel had signed $2.5 billion in new arms export contracts last week. He said partner countries recognize the importance of long-term defense investment in an increasingly unstable world.
Yaron Buskila, head of Israel’s Defense and Security Association, reinforced the warning. Speaking on September 8, he noted that the confrontation with Iran is far from over. He argued that while Israel inflicted serious damage on Iran’s nuclear program during the recent conflict, the threat remains.
Meanwhile, new details have emerged about the US role in the June strikes. Colonel Joshua Wiitala told Fox News that 4,000 personnel supported a B-2 bomber mission against Iranian nuclear sites, which lasted 30 hours, the longest such operation in history.
Wiitala explained that 14 pilots carried out precision strikes with bunker-busting bombs, their first use in combat, and all 14 targets were hit successfully, Fox News quoted him as saying.
He described the mission as flawless and credited the thousands of personnel involved, from munitions crews to medical staff. Crews alternated short rest periods during midair refueling and used energy drinks to remain alert.
He reflected that the most significant moment of his 22-year career was ensuring all aircraft returned safely, describing the operation’s complete success as a source of immense pride.