Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin-June 17, 2025

We are now on day five of Operation “Rising Lion”.
We've struck deep, hitting Iran's nuclear, ballistic and command capabilities. 
The Iranian regime has spent years getting closer to a nuclear weapon, they have spent billions building a ballistic missile program. Our mission is clear - to remove the threat at its source. 
Last night, the IDF eliminated Ali Shadmani, the regime’s War-Time Chief of Staff. Shadmani held the role for only four days before meeting the same fate as his predecessor. This mission was based on real-time and emerging intelligence. 
We have delivered significant blows to the Iranian regime, and as such, they have been pushed back into central Iran. They are now focusing their efforts on conducting missile fire from the area of Isfahan. We are aiming at military targets, they are attacking civilian homes. 
The IDF will continue to operate with precision, strength, and resolve to ensure the safety of the people of Israel. 
Israel faces threats on many fronts. While we are working to remove threats from Iran, we are still fighting their proxy Hamas in Gaza, who is still holding 53 of our hostages in brutal conditions.
We will not rest until they are returned home. 
Thank you very much.

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