Israel's Precision Strike on Iran: A Decades-Long Intelligence Operation

Strategic Insights -

Israel's military struck high-level targets in Iran with precision last week, crippling the country's air defenses and missile systems. Guided by spies and artificial intelligence, Israeli warplanes and armed drones carried out the operation, which was years in the making. The attack was facilitated by the Israeli intelligence agency, the Mossad, which worked closely with the military to gather intelligence and identify key targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli military's operation was planned and executed by the Mossad, with the goal of targeting Iran's nuclear program and crippling its air defenses and missile systems.
  • The operation was years in the making, with the Mossad and the military working together for at least three years to lay the operational groundwork.
  • The Mossad used a mix of locals and Israelis to carry out the operation, with agents stationed near Iranian surface-to-air missile sites to analyze information and provide real-time intelligence.
  • The Israeli military used artificial-intelligence technology to sift through data and identify potential targets, including high-level military officials and scientists.
  • The operation was carried out in partnership with the US, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that the attack proved necessary as Iran continued to advance its enrichment program despite US diplomacy and warnings from UN watchdogs.
  • At least eight members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, including the head of its missile program, were killed in a single Israeli strike on an underground bunker.
  • The operation highlights the growing cooperation between the Israeli and US militaries, with the US providing intelligence and logistical support for the operation.
  • The attack is just the latest in a series of covert operations carried out by the Mossad against Iran's nuclear program, including cyberattacks and the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists.

Statistics:

  • At least 20 Iranian military officials, including high-ranking generals and scientists, were killed or injured in the Israeli operation.
  • Thirteen Iranian air defense systems were destroyed or damaged during the operation.
  • Eight members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, including the head of its missile program, were killed in a single Israeli strike on an underground bunker.
  • The Israeli military used at least 30 armed drones in the operation, which were smuggled into Iran from the US.
  • The Mossad used artificial-intelligence technology to sift through data and identify potential targets, with the system analyzing over 100,000 pieces of intelligence before the operation.

Sources:

  • AP (2025), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu activated "Operation Rising Lion" on Friday.
  • Interview with Sima Shine, former Mossad research director and current analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies.
  • AP (2023), Investigation by The Associated Press uncovering that the Israeli military uses AI to sift through intelligence and intercept communications.
  • Interview with Naysan Rafati, Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group.
  • Interview with Yossi Kuperwasser, retired general and former military intelligence researcher.
  • Interview with retired Israeli Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, who heads the Israel Defense and Security Forum think tank.