IDF Chief of Staff Warns Iran, Accepts New Submarine

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and President Isaac Herzog attended a ceremony Thursday for the acceptance of the new submarine INS Drakon. Zamir described the submarine's integration as "one of the IDF's central armament efforts," noting its enhanced capabilities for covert, long-range, and deep-sea operations.

Amidst rising tensions between Iran and the United States, Zamir issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, "Even in these days, our eyes are open to what is happening in Iran and its proxies." He characterized the Iranian regime as "wounded and battered but not learning to change its intentions, while taking its people hostage, illegally blocking international shipping lanes, and damaging energy and national infrastructure of countries across the Middle East." Zamir added that while the IDF has "severely damaged the capabilities of our enemies, their evil intentions have not changed," and vowed that Israel would "continue to operate in all arenas, according to operational needs, to thwart any threat and strive for decision and victory."

President Herzog highlighted the submarine's name, INS Drakon, explaining that "Ahi" (Hebrew for Navy Ship) also serves as a constant reminder to those operating far from Israel's borders and to those building the nation's naval power. He emphasized that this immense power has one purpose: to protect "brothers, near and far." Herzog also issued a warning, stating that the power of these vessels depends on unity, urging Israelis to remember they are "always sisters and brothers" even amidst disagreements.

Zamir also reflected on the ongoing conflict, calling it "a prolonged, complex, challenging, and multi-arena war." He credited the IDF with historical operations since October 7th that have fundamentally changed Israel's security reality, shifting from defense to offense and from the failure of October 7th to multi-arena victory. He stressed the need to expand the IDF's forces and acquire advanced platforms to maintain Israel's qualitative advantage amidst growing regional and global threats and arms races.