Israeli Air Force Recalls Tense Moments During Iran Strike in New Book

More than a year after Israel's Operation "With the Lion" struck targets in Iran, a retired Israeli Air Force brigadier general recounted the tense moments when the element of surprise was nearly compromised. As Israeli jets took off toward Iran, American aircraft stationed in Iraq unexpectedly returned to their bases, clearing the skies and alerting Iran to possible Israeli action. This prompted the Israeli Air Force commander to urgently contact senior officers at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to resume normal air patrols and restore the usual aerial picture.

Despite Iran beginning to move its targets, Israeli pilots were instructed to hold fire moments before releasing munitions. The Air Force commander personally consulted intelligence officers, who assured him they had contingency plans for various scenarios. After a period of heightened tension and adjustments, the first Israeli munitions successfully struck their designated targets at 2:43 a.m., initiating a series of precise airstrikes against command and control centers, ground-to-ground missile sites, and air superiority targets.

The operation's detailed behind-the-scenes accounts are compiled in a new book titled "12 Days in June," edited by Hilik Shai'on. The book draws on over 50 in-depth investigations and interviews with top defense officials and external experts. It includes gripping narratives from the Air Force command bunker and is being distributed to Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide to highlight Israel's military achievements.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry is actively promoting the book internationally, organizing official launch events with foreign ambassadors and delegations of global city leaders. In January, the book was presented as an official gift to then-U.S. President Donald Trump at a conference in Miami. At the same event, Shai'on personally handed copies to U.S. Air Force pilot Steve Whitcomb and General Michael Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. A poignant moment occurred when Whitcomb recognized the F-35 aircraft on the book cover as the very jet he flew during the Iran strike, moving those present.

This publication serves as a key tool for Israel to explain the strategic significance and success of its air campaign against Iran.