From Gaza to Iran: IDF documents reveal details of key operations

Published IDF orders reveal details of the planning of Israel's largest military operations following the October 7, 2023 attack. The documents cover actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, as well as operations to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including Muhammad Deif and Hassan Nasrallah.

Published IDF orders reveal details of the planning of Israel's largest military operations following the October 7, 2023 attack. The first order was issued at 12:06 on the day of the attack and remains in effect to this day, as the war in Gaza has not officially ended. The documents cover actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. In the fall of 2024, the priority shifted to the northern front. The operation in Syria began in December 2024 against the backdrop of a rebel offensive and ended after Ahmed al-Sharaa seized power in Damascus. On the 616th day of the war, June 14, a campaign against Iran called 'The People as a Lion' began, with goals of weakening nuclear capabilities and damaging the regime. Preparation for operations to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah leaders could take years, but the final decision was sometimes made within hours. In July 2024, a strike was carried out on Muhammad Deif and Rafi Salameh, followed by strikes on Fuad Shukr, Ibrahim Aqil, and Hassan Nasrallah. Alongside Nasrallah, Ali Karaki and IRGC representative Abbas Nilforushan were eliminated. The documents also show the need for decision-making under uncertainty, including discussions of possible direct US involvement before the operation against Iran.