While the Air Force was busy in Iran - the IDF discovered another strike force

While the Israeli Air Force focused on the campaign against Iran, the Navy struck hundreds of targets in additional arenas, carried out a targeted killing in the heart of Beirut, and expanded its role as a strategic strike arm of the IDF. The military reveals a significant conceptual shift, including the integration of Navy representatives into strike cells and dedicated training, alongside Hamas's attempts to rebuild its naval force.

While the Israeli Air Force was concentrated on the campaign against Iran, the Navy took its place as a central strike arm across several arenas. According to senior IDF officials, the Navy struck hundreds of targets in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen, and even carried out a targeted killing of Hezbollah's northern front commander in the heart of Beirut using precise fire from a naval platform. The IDF describes a deep conceptual shift: in the past the Navy was seen as a secondary unit, but it is now defined as a strategic arm alongside the Air Force. Navy representatives are integrated into strike cells at headquarters and in divisions, and dedicated training programs are held. The officers note that the IDF's defense and attack plans have improved significantly since October 7. At the same time, the IDF reveals that Hamas is working to rebuild its naval force through self-manufacture of boats, restoration of existing boats and attempts to import means from abroad. The Navy is on high alert for a range of scenarios in the event of regional escalation.