On October 26, 2024, Israel conducted a series of military strikes against multiple locations in Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The operation, referred to by Israel as “Operation Days of Repentance,” targeted 20 sites and has been described as the most extensive attack on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War.
According to Israeli officials, the strikes were carried out in retaliation for Iranian attacks on Israel earlier in October. The Israeli military stated that it notified Iran several hours before the operation, specifying the intended targets and warning against any retaliatory action. The strikes focused on Iranian military infrastructure, including air-defense batteries, a UAV factory, and missile production facilities.
An Iranian news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that military installations in western and southwestern Tehran, as well as bases in the Ilam and Khuzestan provinces, were hit during the operation. Israel deployed more than 100 aircraft in the operation, including F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters.
These aircraft traveled a distance of 2,000 kilometers and carried heavy munitions. Some of the aircraft entered Iranian airspace during the mission. A separate attack on Syria targeted that country’s radar defenses.
All Israeli aircraft involved in the operation returned safely, according to the Israeli military. The use of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters marked a significant deployment of advanced military technology.
The aircraft’s ability to enter Iranian airspace without detection, combined with the 2,000-kilometer travel distance, highlights the range and endurance of Israel’s air power. The scope and scale of the operation suggest a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The targets—air-defense batteries, a UAV factory, and missile production facilities—were likely selected for their strategic importance to Iran’s military capabilities.
Israel’s decision to inform Iran of the targets in advance and warn against a response may have been intended to reduce the risk of further escalation. However, the size and significance of the operation indicate that tensions between the two countries remain high.
As the situation develops, attention will focus on any potential Iranian response and the reaction of the international community. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether this operation leads to further military actions or de-escalation.
