“Throughout this entire operation, our focus has been on intercepting missiles directed at Israel and its citizens,” he expressed. “It’s rewarding to know we are neutralizing threats posed by Iranian capabilities against civilians — our families and homes.”

Inside the cockpit, he said, there is no room for hesitation. 

“In the cockpit, emotions are secondary. It’s all about the mission, with complete concentration on it,” he explained. “Returning from the mission allows a bit more room for thought and conversation with a fellow pilot, but the priority remains on executing the mission without errors and adhering strictly to the plan.”

An FDD map shows a selected list of targets hit by Israel since the start of the war against Iran. (FDD)

Although the campaign’s immediate objective is the defense of Israeli citizens, the pilot emphasized that the stakes are global. 

“Israel is currently engaged in a battle representative of the Western world and its values, confronting the core of the threat and addressing a danger that the entire globe faces,” he remarked.

“Whether it’s terror operations abroad, ballistic missiles or threats to ships in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, we’re fighting a war for the whole world. But, first and foremost, we are fighting for our home.”

He pointed to Iran’s repeated calls for Israel’s destruction as clear justification for the operation. 

“They had missiles pointed at us, their nuclear program was aimed at us. They’ve been saying it openly — in speeches, on social media — they want to destroy us,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the preemptive strike that we took, they would have been able to fulfill that threat in a few years.”

An Israeli fighter jet taking off from Israel on its way to strike targets in Iran. (IDF)

For both, the mission is not only strategic, but deeply patriotic. 

“There’s a clear link between what we’re doing and the safety of the State of Israel,” the pilot added. “We’re destroying precision missiles aimed at our hospitals, at our homes. The nuclear program was aimed toward us. Personally, it’s a very good feeling to take part in this. But it’s also humbling to be part of such a vast operation — this whole machine — the Israeli Air Force and the nation standing together.”