New Israel-Iran War Fears Escalate; IDF Destroys Massive Hamas Tunnel | Boots on the Ground

July 31, 2025 | 30:27

Yair Pinto reports on the Israel-Hamas War. As the ceasefire with Iran teeters on the edge, Israel braces for renewed conflict across multiple fronts. Inside Gaza, the IDF uncovers massive tunnel networks while Hamas steals aid meant for civilians. In the north, Hezbollah’s strength is crumbling under heavy losses. And on the world stage, Western powers spark outrage with plans to recognize a Palestinian state.

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Boots on the Ground | New Israel-Iran War Fears Escalate; IDF Destroys Massive Hamas Tunnel | Boots on the Ground | July 31, 2025
  • The ceasefire with iran is unraveling and regional tensions
  • 00:00:08.009 --> 00:00:13.547
  • Are climbing as israel weighs another ground maneuver in gaza,
  • 00:00:13.547 --> 00:00:18.953
  • And the cabinet is debating a broad operation to wear down
  • 00:00:18.953 --> 00:00:24.258
  • Hamas and free our hostages. on thursday, a high level meeting
  • 00:00:24.258 --> 00:00:29.330
  • Between israeli and american officials is scheduled to take
  • 00:00:29.330 --> 00:00:32.533
  • Place in washington, as the trump administration officials
  • 00:00:32.533 --> 00:00:36.737
  • Lament that hamas refuses to release the hostages. the
  • 00:00:36.737 --> 00:00:41.175
  • Security echelon of israel is therefore preparing two
  • 00:00:41.175 --> 00:00:45.079
  • Scenarios one full control of the gaza strip or the
  • 00:00:45.079 --> 00:00:49.784
  • Encirclement of key areas, including establishing a
  • 00:00:49.784 --> 00:00:54.088
  • Humanitarian city in rafah in the south. if no deal is
  • 00:00:54.088 --> 00:00:58.359
  • Reached. and meanwhile, in gaza, armed hamas terrorists loot the
  • 00:00:58.359 --> 00:01:03.798
  • Aid trucks that were entered by the united nations and even fire
  • 00:01:03.798 --> 00:01:07.835
  • At civilians on the northern arena. hezbollah simply cannot
  • 00:01:07.835 --> 00:01:12.440
  • Lift its head. northern command has issued a report summing up
  • 00:01:12.440 --> 00:01:17.845
  • Half a year of the terrorists, saying that around 5000
  • 00:01:17.845 --> 00:01:21.816
  • Hezbollah commanders have been eliminated and the radwan force
  • 00:01:21.816 --> 00:01:25.386
  • Is severely damaged, along with rocket launch capabilities. the
  • 00:01:25.386 --> 00:01:30.424
  • United states is increasing pressure on beirut in lebanon to
  • 00:01:30.424 --> 00:01:34.762
  • Dismantle the terrorist organization as a condition for
  • 00:01:34.762 --> 00:01:38.332
  • Withdrawal talks, and next door in southern syria, israel has
  • 00:01:38.332 --> 00:01:42.603
  • Cut the shiite backdoor supply route and arrested weapons
  • 00:01:42.603 --> 00:01:47.675
  • Traffickers on the ground. the fighting in gaza continues as
  • 00:01:47.675 --> 00:01:51.679
  • Kfir infantry brigade fighters of the idf located a large
  • 00:01:51.679 --> 00:01:55.983
  • Weapons cache in khan yunis in gaza, and secondary explosions
  • 00:01:55.983 --> 00:02:01.789
  • Indicated tons of weapons. the idf is destroying terror cells
  • 00:02:01.789 --> 00:02:06.894
  • In serghaya and tightening the siege on the tunnels. however,
  • 00:02:06.894 --> 00:02:12.399
  • Hamas keeps looting aid. while in london, british prime
  • 00:02:12.399 --> 00:02:16.770
  • Minister keir starmer declares we will recognize a palestinian
  • 00:02:16.770 --> 00:02:21.876
  • State in september if the situation does not change.
  • 00:02:21.876 --> 00:02:26.147
  • Jerusalem calls this a reward for terror, and even some in the
  • 00:02:26.147 --> 00:02:30.751
  • United kingdom agree. and meanwhile a houthi missile was
  • 00:02:30.751 --> 00:02:35.489
  • Intercepted on its way to israel on tuesday evening as millions
  • 00:02:35.489 --> 00:02:39.860
  • Of civilians took shelter, including me and my family in
  • 00:02:39.860 --> 00:02:44.465
  • Washington. the administration is drafting a policy to stop
  • 00:02:44.465 --> 00:02:49.136
  • Restraining israel in lebanon if beirut does not act against
  • 00:02:49.136 --> 00:02:53.407
  • Hezbollah, while president trump also reacted to the failed
  • 00:02:53.407 --> 00:02:57.578
  • Negotiations in doha, qatar, saying hamas doesn't want a
  • 00:02:57.578 --> 00:03:01.348
  • Deal, israel will have to decide. i know what i would do
  • 00:03:01.348 --> 00:03:06.754
  • In the media. hamas attacks, trump's calling him a murderer.
  • 00:03:06.754 --> 00:03:11.025
  • While the new york times reveals that gaza's symbol of hunger
  • 00:03:11.025 --> 00:03:15.396
  • Suffers from congenital diseases, not merely lack of
  • 00:03:15.396 --> 00:03:21.168
  • Food. and the idf claims that the shocking starvation photos
  • 00:03:21.168 --> 00:03:25.906
  • Mostly come from yemen and not gaza. and amidst all of this,
  • 00:03:25.906 --> 00:03:31.612
  • Ten with iran keeps smoldering as both states
  • 00:03:31.612 --> 00:03:35.983
  • Prepare for another round. despite the ceasefire agreement
  • 00:03:35.983 --> 00:03:40.521
  • Between israel and iran, the united states and europe are
  • 00:03:40.521 --> 00:03:44.858
  • Threatening new sanctions if iran does not back down, while
  • 00:03:44.858 --> 00:03:48.195
  • In tehran, a heat and water crisis intensifies the pressure.
  • 00:03:48.195 --> 00:03:53.300
  • We have a lot to talk about today, so let's dive into the
  • 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:56.737
  • Details. i'm yair pinto and this is day 663 of the war against
  • 00:03:56.737 --> 00:04:02.876
  • Hamas, hezbollah, the houthis, the shia militias in iraq, and
  • 00:04:02.876 --> 00:04:06.914
  • All the other armed groups in judea and samaria that are
  • 00:04:06.914 --> 00:04:10.451
  • Taking their orders from iran's revolutionary guard corps, which
  • 00:04:10.451 --> 00:04:14.722
  • Is the head of the axis of evil in the middle east. and one
  • 00:04:14.722 --> 00:04:19.059
  • Second before we start, i call on you to keep spreading the
  • 00:04:19.059 --> 00:04:21.996
  • Truth. we are fighting an information war and we need your
  • 00:04:21.996 --> 00:04:25.833
  • Help. so look for us on tbn israel youtube channel for daily
  • 00:04:25.833 --> 00:04:29.803
  • Boots on the ground updates. and now we'll take a short
  • 00:04:29.803 --> 00:04:33.340
  • Commercial break, after which we'll return with matti
  • 00:04:33.340 --> 00:04:36.310
  • Shoshani, who will give us all the details on the diplomatic
  • 00:04:36.310 --> 00:04:40.347
  • Moves reshaping the middle east.
  • 00:04:40.347 --> 00:04:47.454
  • >> the middle east is complicated. evil thrives here
  • 00:04:47.454 --> 00:04:50.357
  • And wears many different faces.
  • 00:04:50.357 --> 00:04:52.860
  • >> but in the middle of it all is israel, a tiny democracy
  • 00:04:52.860 --> 00:04:57.498
  • Fighting for its life against extremist regimes and terrorist
  • 00:04:57.498 --> 00:05:01.201
  • Armies that glorify death, not life.
  • 00:05:01.201 --> 00:05:04.038
  • >> and yet somehow the world calls us the aggressor.
  • 00:05:04.038 --> 00:05:07.908
  • >> because evil has the narrative and twisted the truth.
  • 00:05:07.908 --> 00:05:11.812
  • >> and the west, while too often it believes the lies, because
  • 00:05:11.812 --> 00:05:15.949
  • Comprehending such evil is hard. and when people can't understand
  • 00:05:15.949 --> 00:05:19.553
  • It, they misplace the blame.
  • 00:05:19.553 --> 00:05:21.255
  • >> this battle isn't just about israel. this is a threat to the
  • 00:05:21.255 --> 00:05:25.592
  • Entire free world.
  • 00:05:25.592 --> 00:05:27.061
  • >> because when the truth dies, freedom dies with it.
  • 00:05:27.061 --> 00:05:30.030
  • >> so stand with israel, defend the truth and make sure it gets
  • 00:05:30.030 --> 00:05:35.069
  • Out to the entire world. go to. cbn.com. israel and donate now.
  • 00:05:35.069 --> 00:05:43.277
  • Our future depends on it. thank
  • 00:05:43.277 --> 00:05:54.121
  • You for staying with us. now let's go to seb. and israel's
  • 00:05:54.221 --> 00:05:57.925
  • Senior middle east analyst, matti shoshani, who will brief
  • 00:05:57.925 --> 00:06:00.761
  • Us on all the statements that the diplomats are making lately.
  • 00:06:00.761 --> 00:06:05.499
  • Over to you, matti.
  • 00:06:05.499 --> 00:06:06.934
  • >> tomorrow in washington, a decisive israeli american
  • 00:06:06.934 --> 00:06:10.204
  • Meeting at the center of the talks, the issue of the hostages
  • 00:06:10.204 --> 00:06:13.507
  • And the continuation of the fighting in the gaza strip. the
  • 00:06:13.507 --> 00:06:17.044
  • Us has placed the responsibility for the humanitarian crisis
  • 00:06:17.044 --> 00:06:21.415
  • Squarely on the hamas terrorist organization. the
  • 00:06:21.415 --> 00:06:24.918
  • Israeli-american meeting, which will take place tomorrow in
  • 00:06:24.918 --> 00:06:27.421
  • Washington. the headline is hamas refuses to release
  • 00:06:27.421 --> 00:06:31.325
  • Hostages. minister dermer, national security adviser on
  • 00:06:31.325 --> 00:06:34.595
  • Egbe, and ambassador leiter will meet tomorrow with secretary of
  • 00:06:34.595 --> 00:06:37.898
  • State rubio. state department spokesperson bruce says the
  • 00:06:37.898 --> 00:06:41.769
  • Images from gaza are horrific, but hamas can stop this in an
  • 00:06:41.769 --> 00:06:46.173
  • Instant. an israeli source says the representatives will explain
  • 00:06:46.173 --> 00:06:49.710
  • That israel is committed to eliminating hamas and bringing
  • 00:06:49.710 --> 00:06:53.147
  • The hostages home. the meeting comes amid sharp remarks by
  • 00:06:53.147 --> 00:06:57.017
  • State department spokesperson tammy bruce, who last night
  • 00:06:57.017 --> 00:07:00.888
  • Expressed deep concern over gaza but blamed hamas for refusing to
  • 00:07:00.888 --> 00:07:05.926
  • Halt in fighting and return of the hostages. bruce said
  • 00:07:05.926 --> 00:07:10.130
  • President donald trump consistently promotes peace
  • 00:07:10.130 --> 00:07:13.333
  • Initiatives and cease fires in conflict zones worldwide, and
  • 00:07:13.333 --> 00:07:16.870
  • That the first lady is also deeply affected by the gaza
  • 00:07:16.870 --> 00:07:20.707
  • Situation. quote the president acts from humanitarian motives.
  • 00:07:20.707 --> 00:07:24.311
  • He understands the suffering, is shocked by the images, and
  • 00:07:24.311 --> 00:07:28.248
  • Intends to act, but not at the expense of basic principles, end
  • 00:07:28.248 --> 00:07:31.785
  • Qu she said. however, the spokesperson made clear that the
  • 00:07:31.785 --> 00:07:35.756
  • Administration does not intend to blow hamas strategy, which
  • 00:07:35.756 --> 00:07:38.659
  • She said relies on ongoing suffering to preserve a reign of
  • 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:43.263
  • Terror. she described how hamas needs the palestinian people's
  • 00:07:43.263 --> 00:07:47.134
  • Despair. constant damage, chaos to justify its rule. they do not
  • 00:07:47.134 --> 00:07:52.239
  • Strive for a solution. they strive to continue terror. trump
  • 00:07:52.239 --> 00:07:56.577
  • Said. no more endless cycle. bruce quoted the president, we
  • 00:07:56.577 --> 00:08:00.948
  • Will not repeat the same mistake over and over. no more endless
  • 00:08:00.948 --> 00:08:04.518
  • Cycle of destruction, cease fires, rearmament and renewed
  • 00:08:04.518 --> 00:08:08.789
  • Fighting. she emphasized that the administration continues
  • 00:08:08.789 --> 00:08:12.493
  • Efforts to ease suffering on the ground, but in a way that
  • 00:08:12.493 --> 00:08:16.096
  • Bypasses hamas. we establish the gaza relief fund to show that
  • 00:08:16.096 --> 00:08:20.434
  • Food and humanitarian supplies can be delivered without going
  • 00:08:20.434 --> 00:08:23.871
  • Through hamas, bruce said. british prime minister keir
  • 00:08:23.871 --> 00:08:28.008
  • Starmer announced today tuesday that britain will recognize a
  • 00:08:28.008 --> 00:08:31.879
  • Palestinian state. according to the statement, recognition will
  • 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:35.148
  • Take place this coming september. he said recognition
  • 00:08:35.148 --> 00:08:38.318
  • Would occur before the un general assembly unless the
  • 00:08:38.318 --> 00:08:42.022
  • Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the
  • 00:08:42.022 --> 00:08:45.859
  • Horrific situation in the gaza strip. this approach may be
  • 00:08:45.859 --> 00:08:49.863
  • Insufficient for a third of labor mps and cabinet members,
  • 00:08:49.863 --> 00:08:53.367
  • Who urge immediate, unconditional recognition of
  • 00:08:53.367 --> 00:08:56.670
  • Palestine. the move follows french president emmanuel macron
  • 00:08:56.670 --> 00:09:00.307
  • Becoming the first g7 leader to declare recognition of a
  • 00:09:00.307 --> 00:09:03.877
  • Palestinian state. macron said france would formally recognize
  • 00:09:03.877 --> 00:09:08.248
  • Palestine at the un general assembly in september, after
  • 00:09:08.248 --> 00:09:11.451
  • Weeks of private consultations with britain and other partners.
  • 00:09:11.451 --> 00:09:15.389
  • While macron claims the declaration itself will spur
  • 00:09:15.389 --> 00:09:19.159
  • Progress, british officials prefer tying conditions to the
  • 00:09:19.159 --> 00:09:22.963
  • Step to bring tangible changes in hamas's stance. macron was
  • 00:09:22.963 --> 00:09:27.734
  • Mocked by us officials after his announcement. us secretary of
  • 00:09:27.734 --> 00:09:31.605
  • State marco o sharply attacked him, stating the united
  • 00:09:31.605 --> 00:09:35.576
  • States strongly rejects the french president's plan to
  • 00:09:35.576 --> 00:09:39.346
  • Recognize a palestinian state at the un general assembly. rubio
  • 00:09:39.346 --> 00:09:42.849
  • Wrote, adding that this reckless decision only serves hamas
  • 00:09:42.849 --> 00:09:47.354
  • Propaganda and harms peace. it is a slap in the face to the
  • 00:09:47.354 --> 00:09:52.993
  • Victims of october 7th. starmer, a labor prime minister,
  • 00:09:52.993 --> 00:09:55.662
  • Reportedly informed prime minister netanyahu of his
  • 00:09:55.662 --> 00:09:58.198
  • Planned announcement in advance. he claimed the step is unrelated
  • 00:09:58.198 --> 00:10:02.135
  • To internal pressure, despite images from gaza circulating in
  • 00:10:02.135 --> 00:10:05.439
  • World media. starmer set conditions for israel a gaza
  • 00:10:05.439 --> 00:10:09.443
  • Ceasefire, assurance of no annexation in the west bank and
  • 00:10:09.443 --> 00:10:12.679
  • A commitment to a long term peace process leading to a two
  • 00:10:12.679 --> 00:10:16.249
  • State solution. prime minister netanyahu said starmer's
  • 00:10:16.249 --> 00:10:20.153
  • Basically punishing the victims, netanyahu added. a jihadist
  • 00:10:20.153 --> 00:10:24.091
  • State on israel's border today will threaten britain tomorrow.
  • 00:10:24.091 --> 00:10:28.395
  • Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. it will
  • 00:10:28.395 --> 00:10:31.565
  • Fail for you all. it will not happen. president donald
  • 00:10:31.565 --> 00:10:35.902
  • Trump finishing a european visit during which he met starmer,
  • 00:10:35.902 --> 00:10:39.106
  • Said he had not discussed the matter with the british pm.
  • 00:10:39.106 --> 00:10:42.309
  • Asked his opinion, he replied it's a prize for hamas. if they
  • 00:10:42.309 --> 00:10:45.412
  • Do it, i don't think they should get a prize. starmer faces
  • 00:10:45.412 --> 00:10:48.448
  • Growing pressure from labor mps. about a third of labor mps
  • 00:10:48.448 --> 00:10:52.419
  • Signed a letter on friday calling for immediate british
  • 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:56.456
  • Recognition of a palestinian state. former labor leader
  • 00:10:56.456 --> 00:10:59.226
  • Jeremy corbyn attacked starmer, saying a palestinian state is
  • 00:10:59.226 --> 00:11:02.562
  • Not a bargaining chip. it's an inalienable right of the
  • 00:11:02.562 --> 00:11:06.667
  • Palestinians, he said. conversely, parties to labor's
  • 00:11:06.667 --> 00:11:09.336
  • Right attack starmer, accusing him of rewarding hamas and of
  • 00:11:09.336 --> 00:11:13.707
  • Political cynicism. nigel farage's reform uk party,
  • 00:11:13.707 --> 00:11:18.078
  • Currently polling as the frontrunner in the next
  • 00:11:18.078 --> 00:11:20.647
  • Election, said starmer's decision is nothing more than a
  • 00:11:20.647 --> 00:11:23.483
  • Prize for hamas. they said the timing is wrong and that he is
  • 00:11:23.483 --> 00:11:27.554
  • Under the influence of extreme labor figures. it does little
  • 00:11:27.554 --> 00:11:30.624
  • Beyond awarding hamas for october 7th events, he said.
  • 00:11:30.624 --> 00:11:33.894
  • Conservative party leader kemi badenoch accused starmer of
  • 00:11:33.894 --> 00:11:37.431
  • Running from domestic crisis. the public wants answers on
  • 00:11:37.431 --> 00:11:40.701
  • Migrant asylum, soaring living costs and doctors threatening to
  • 00:11:40.701 --> 00:11:44.638
  • Strike. it's a scandal. he convenes his cabinet to try to
  • 00:11:44.638 --> 00:11:48.642
  • Solve internal labor problem, recognizing the palestinian
  • 00:11:48.642 --> 00:11:51.244
  • State won't bring the hostages back and the war or get aid into
  • 00:11:51.244 --> 00:11:54.614
  • Gaza. it's the worst kind of political cynicism. in summary,
  • 00:11:54.614 --> 00:11:58.485
  • The decisions and the plan to recognize a palestinian state by
  • 00:11:58.485 --> 00:12:02.222
  • The uk and the french is stirring a lot of emotions and
  • 00:12:02.222 --> 00:12:06.159
  • Commotion, both in israel and in the us, and rightly so. it is an
  • 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:10.163
  • Attempt to reward the terrorists that carried out the attacks of
  • 00:12:10.163 --> 00:12:14.134
  • October 7th and punish the victims of that attack. we're
  • 00:12:14.134 --> 00:12:17.971
  • Expecting to see this be a hot topic for many days to come,
  • 00:12:17.971 --> 00:12:22.109
  • Probably only coming to a resolution during the un general
  • 00:12:22.109 --> 00:12:25.312
  • Assembly later in this fall. now back to pinto.
  • 00:12:25.312 --> 00:12:29.783
  • >> thank you very much, matti shoshani, for bringing clarity
  • 00:12:29.783 --> 00:12:32.919
  • To these very difficult issues. and now we move to an exclusive
  • 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:37.924
  • Interview with an israeli pilot who will give us the real story
  • 00:12:37.924 --> 00:12:41.461
  • About the strikes in iran and the defeat of the revolutionary
  • 00:12:41.461 --> 00:12:45.665
  • Guards. they flew over a thousand miles from home, deep
  • 00:12:45.665 --> 00:12:50.036
  • Into enemy airspace and nearly 1000mph slicing through the
  • 00:12:50.036 --> 00:12:56.176
  • Night sky at 50,000ft. precision guided, mission locked, hearts
  • 00:12:56.176 --> 00:13:03.316
  • Pounding. this wasn't just any operation. this was one of the
  • 00:13:03.316 --> 00:13:07.687
  • Boldest, most daring air assaults in modern warfare. and
  • 00:13:07.687 --> 00:13:11.725
  • Today, in an exclusive interview, we hear from one of
  • 00:13:11.725 --> 00:13:15.595
  • The israeli air force pilots who lived it. they're calling it the
  • 00:13:15.595 --> 00:13:20.300
  • 12 day war. a brutal, lightning fast campaign that shattered
  • 00:13:20.300 --> 00:13:25.372
  • Iran's nuclear ambitions after years of empty threats, stalling
  • 00:13:25.372 --> 00:13:30.777
  • And failed diplomacy in its core, the israeli air force.
  • 00:13:30.777 --> 00:13:35.348
  • They neutralized missile sites, evaded some of the world's most
  • 00:13:35.348 --> 00:13:41.087
  • Advanced air defenses, took out the irgc generals, top
  • 00:13:41.087 --> 00:13:45.892
  • Scientists and command centers, and left iran's war machine in
  • 00:13:45.892 --> 00:13:50.897
  • Ruins. no warnings, no negotiations, just precision,
  • 00:13:50.897 --> 00:13:56.670
  • Speed and total surprise. none of it was possible without the
  • 00:13:56.670 --> 00:14:01.608
  • Pilots, the men and women who roared through enemy skies under
  • 00:14:01.608 --> 00:14:06.713
  • Fire, carrying the weight of a nation with them. and today we
  • 00:14:06.713 --> 00:14:10.951
  • Have the rare privilege of hearing it firsthand. it is the
  • 00:14:10.951 --> 00:14:15.689
  • Story behind the cockpit, behind victory. but before we take off,
  • 00:14:15.689 --> 00:14:20.694
  • Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to tbn israel.
  • 00:14:20.694 --> 00:14:31.805
  • >>y, so, lieutenant colonel, a thank you, first of all for
  • 00:14:31.805 --> 00:14:34.741
  • Being on the show on such short notice. i can imagine it's been
  • 00:14:34.741 --> 00:14:38.178
  • A very busy week or weeks for you and for your team. what can
  • 00:14:38.178 --> 00:14:41.047
  • You tell me about what you've been doing in the last 13 days?
  • 00:14:41.047 --> 00:14:44.851
  • What are you allowed to tell me?
  • 00:14:44.851 --> 00:14:46.353
  • >> well.
  • 00:14:46.353 --> 00:14:47.621
  • >> it's been a busy two weeks. these two weeks are a part of a
  • 00:14:47.621 --> 00:14:51.558
  • Period which started, i think, 20 years ago, when i was a young
  • 00:14:51.558 --> 00:14:56.663
  • Backseat pilot, more specifically focused since
  • 00:14:56.663 --> 00:15:00.934
  • October 7th. that part is, is not a finished chapter. and we
  • 00:15:00.934 --> 00:15:06.373
  • Have 50 hostages to bring back home, yet more focused for the
  • 00:15:06.373 --> 00:15:13.313
  • Last two weeks. i think it's something that we started
  • 00:15:13.313 --> 00:15:16.449
  • Training intensively and understanding that these days
  • 00:15:16.449 --> 00:15:20.754
  • Might come about a year ago. and in the last two months, very
  • 00:15:20.754 --> 00:15:27.727
  • Specifically focused on training and doing our best for
  • 00:15:27.727 --> 00:15:32.432
  • Successful operation, which took place.
  • 00:15:32.432 --> 00:15:34.935
  • >> so i know people love going into the technical details. and
  • 00:15:34.935 --> 00:15:38.004
  • How did you do this and how did you do that in my mind, to and
  • 00:15:38.004 --> 00:15:42.309
  • Correct me if i'm wrong, what you did in the last two weeks is
  • 00:15:42.309 --> 00:15:46.279
  • Something pilots dream about for an entire lifetime, and most
  • 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:49.883
  • Never get to do it. do you feel the uniqueness of what you got
  • 00:15:49.883 --> 00:15:53.920
  • To be part of? do you feel the weight of history when you're
  • 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:57.023
  • Flying over iran, undisturbed by by iranian anti-aircraft
  • 00:15:57.023 --> 00:16:01.428
  • Batteries? what did it feel like to you?
  • 00:16:01.428 --> 00:16:03.196
  • >> you feel the honor of taking a part in this historic moments,
  • 00:16:03.196 --> 00:16:08.234
  • And you feel it in the brief that took place two weeks ago.
  • 00:16:08.234 --> 00:16:13.273
  • Understanding that trainings are over and the initiative act is
  • 00:16:13.273 --> 00:16:19.746
  • Going to take place in a few hours. and it's something that
  • 00:16:19.746 --> 00:16:23.717
  • We thought about and understood that these days will take place
  • 00:16:23.717 --> 00:16:29.489
  • Since a lot of years ago. and of course, you feel the historic
  • 00:16:29.489 --> 00:16:33.093
  • Moments, these historic moments and feelings. and i think, stop
  • 00:16:33.093 --> 00:16:39.132
  • The minute you cross enemy lines and then your focus is stretched
  • 00:16:39.132 --> 00:16:45.038
  • Up to the edge. you need to be professional and keep your jet
  • 00:16:45.038 --> 00:16:49.609
  • Keeping your friends, and keep yourself making the best effort
  • 00:16:49.609 --> 00:16:54.280
  • To fly a long way and doing the best of your mission. and then
  • 00:16:54.280 --> 00:16:57.851
  • You're focused. you're not feeling history when you come
  • 00:16:57.851 --> 00:17:01.488
  • Back home and cross enemies, enemy lines back. the feelings
  • 00:17:01.488 --> 00:17:06.259
  • Come back again once you can.
  • 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:08.628
  • >> i believe it. so i have a question for you. for many, many
  • 00:17:08.628 --> 00:17:11.831
  • Years we've been hearing, you know, in.
  • 00:17:11.831 --> 00:17:14.134
  • >> israel about the army setting funds aside to prepare for an
  • 00:17:14.134 --> 00:17:17.570
  • Attack in iran. and we never knew what the money was going
  • 00:17:17.570 --> 00:17:20.774
  • To. and then we found out, you know, on june 13th, how prepared
  • 00:17:20.774 --> 00:17:24.611
  • We were for this attack. can you tell me on your end being an air
  • 00:17:24.611 --> 00:17:28.848
  • Force pilot or an air force pilot navigator? how how long
  • 00:17:28.848 --> 00:17:33.853
  • Have you been preparing for this attack? is it something that
  • 00:17:33.853 --> 00:17:36.289
  • Started early in training or specifically in recent years,
  • 00:17:36.289 --> 00:17:40.226
  • Working up the logistics and the range and probably all the
  • 00:17:40.226 --> 00:17:43.563
  • Complex maneuvers that are needed to carry out this type of
  • 00:17:43.563 --> 00:17:48.168
  • Attack.
  • 00:17:48.168 --> 00:17:49.302
  • >> it's something that we trained for a lot of years, but
  • 00:17:49.402 --> 00:17:52.105
  • The way it took place as it took place is something from the, i
  • 00:17:52.105 --> 00:17:56.509
  • Think last year. and being an iaf backseat pilot is only one
  • 00:17:56.509 --> 00:18:02.715
  • Part of the story. i think that's what we felt that israel
  • 00:18:02.715 --> 00:18:07.253
  • As a nation was recruited for this mission. every one from the
  • 00:18:07.253 --> 00:18:13.226
  • Technicians and from the military companies, they took
  • 00:18:13.226 --> 00:18:16.863
  • Part exactly like us. and they made a big effort for making it
  • 00:18:16.863 --> 00:18:22.035
  • Happen, allowing us to carry what you carried across the
  • 00:18:22.035 --> 00:18:26.206
  • Enemy lines. it's a nation effort. it's not an air force
  • 00:18:26.206 --> 00:18:30.210
  • Effort. it's much bigger than that. i think it makes it even
  • 00:18:30.210 --> 00:18:34.180
  • More historic and understanding that you're part of something
  • 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:37.350
  • Very big.
  • 00:18:37.350 --> 00:18:38.518
  • >> it was indeed very big. i think everyone in israel, we
  • 00:18:38.518 --> 00:18:42.355
  • Expected this conflict to be, i think, more dangerous and more
  • 00:18:42.355 --> 00:18:47.093
  • It's called take a higher cost from israeli civilian
  • 00:18:47.093 --> 00:18:50.396
  • Population. and i think everyone around the world, as they
  • 00:18:50.396 --> 00:18:53.199
  • Watched you and your colleagues, your comrades flying over iran
  • 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:56.769
  • One, we felt an incredible sense of pride in the ability and the
  • 00:18:56.769 --> 00:19:02.275
  • Technological power and the logistical depth of what our
  • 00:19:02.275 --> 00:19:05.512
  • Army was able to build. but two, i think almost a sense of envy
  • 00:19:05.512 --> 00:19:10.150
  • Of you and your the other pilots being able to take part in such
  • 00:19:10.150 --> 00:19:13.887
  • A historic attack. this is an enemy we've been fighting
  • 00:19:13.887 --> 00:19:17.390
  • Against remotely since before i was born, probably before you
  • 00:19:17.390 --> 00:19:20.727
  • Were born to for many, many years. and here we get a chance.
  • 00:19:20.727 --> 00:19:25.098
  • And we prove that we have the upper hand. we prove that the
  • 00:19:25.098 --> 00:19:28.168
  • Israeli army is superior to the iranian army. we prove that our
  • 00:19:28.168 --> 00:19:32.005
  • Pilots are considerably better than theirs, and we prove that
  • 00:19:32.005 --> 00:19:35.608
  • Our ability to plan and execute is unparalleled in the middle
  • 00:19:35.608 --> 00:19:39.345
  • East. my question to you is, is did you feel that when you're
  • 00:19:39.345 --> 00:19:42.715
  • Flying? because again, we get to see the highlights of the news,
  • 00:19:42.715 --> 00:19:46.786
  • What you know, what the idf releases, what the iranians are
  • 00:19:46.786 --> 00:19:49.722
  • Releasing on social media, it made it look like it was an
  • 00:19:49.722 --> 00:19:54.360
  • Easy, almost walk in the park when you were flying over iran.
  • 00:19:54.360 --> 00:19:57.197
  • Is that how it feel or did it feel, or was it a more intense
  • 00:19:57.197 --> 00:20:01.201
  • Battle from your perspective, flying over the skies of iran?
  • 00:20:01.201 --> 00:20:05.138
  • >> well, first of all, we were ready for a situation, as you
  • 00:20:05.138 --> 00:20:10.176
  • Mentioned, for not all of us coming back home. and i think
  • 00:20:10.176 --> 00:20:13.880
  • It's something from the keys for success in this. we came to
  • 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:17.116
  • These days humbled and modest. i think when you come humble and
  • 00:20:17.116 --> 00:20:24.157
  • Modest, you make your biggest efforts. you never lay down on
  • 00:20:24.157 --> 00:20:28.995
  • The side and you all the time think how you can come more
  • 00:20:28.995 --> 00:20:33.533
  • Prepared for these days. and that's something that we
  • 00:20:33.533 --> 00:20:37.237
  • Understand it for years. and we took this enemy seriously. it
  • 00:20:37.237 --> 00:20:42.475
  • Gave us back a lot of success. doing so.
  • 00:20:42.475 --> 00:20:45.645
  • >> i think a lot is an understatement. it's the most,
  • 00:20:45.645 --> 00:20:48.615
  • Probably the biggest military achievement in many, many years,
  • 00:20:48.615 --> 00:20:52.518
  • Especially when it comes to air force use. so i have a question
  • 00:20:52.518 --> 00:20:55.755
  • For you on on the technical side of things, it seems to me we're
  • 00:20:55.755 --> 00:20:59.425
  • Not a very big air force, relatively speaking, and it
  • 00:20:59.425 --> 00:21:02.362
  • Seems like the israeli air force pilots were flying almost
  • 00:21:02.362 --> 00:21:05.965
  • Nonstop again and again and again. how did you prepare for
  • 00:21:05.965 --> 00:21:09.636
  • This level of a mission load? how did the technical crew
  • 00:21:09.636 --> 00:21:14.240
  • Support so many missions for so long? so much munitions, so much
  • 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:18.144
  • Air time, so many engine hours? was there a special preparedness
  • 00:21:18.144 --> 00:21:22.749
  • To this, or did just everyone work around the clock for
  • 00:21:22.749 --> 00:21:25.251
  • Several weeks?
  • 00:21:25.251 --> 00:21:26.419
  • >> i think since october 7th, the technicians and the pilots
  • 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:30.490
  • And the intel and everyone in israel defense systems work
  • 00:21:30.490 --> 00:21:35.194
  • Hard. there are days that we work worked hard for the two
  • 00:21:35.194 --> 00:21:39.465
  • Years. last two years as we worked hard in the last two
  • 00:21:39.465 --> 00:21:43.369
  • Weeks, and sometimes more, sometimes less, and where it's
  • 00:21:43.369 --> 00:21:46.906
  • Something that we're trained for and doing as is for a long time.
  • 00:21:46.906 --> 00:21:52.679
  • So the effort is not something specific here. we fly a long
  • 00:21:52.679 --> 00:21:57.317
  • Way, and you sit in the plane in your jet for hours, but that's
  • 00:21:57.317 --> 00:22:02.388
  • Only a small thing in the in the issue. so we worked out it's
  • 00:22:02.388 --> 00:22:07.126
  • Correct, but it's not something that was very special in this
  • 00:22:07.126 --> 00:22:11.764
  • Operation.
  • 00:22:11.764 --> 00:22:12.999
  • >> yeah, i would imagine you don't become a pilot by working
  • 00:22:12.999 --> 00:22:16.069
  • By working half days. okay. so, lieutenant colonel a, tell me
  • 00:22:16.069 --> 00:22:20.006
  • What these missions looked like logistically, because what we
  • 00:22:20.006 --> 00:22:22.909
  • Get to see is just the mission, you know, over iran. but i would
  • 00:22:22.909 --> 00:22:27.547
  • Imagine you're flying a great distance over a great amount of
  • 00:22:27.547 --> 00:22:34.187
  • Israeli airplane to get all the way to iran and back. what does
  • 00:22:35.455 --> 00:22:38.558
  • That look like logistically? what are you going through in
  • 00:22:38.558 --> 00:22:41.527
  • That process?
  • 00:22:41.527 --> 00:22:42.762
  • >> well, i think logistically it starts from the planning on the
  • 00:22:42.862 --> 00:22:46.265
  • Ground, planning your mission and coordinating it for everyone
  • 00:22:46.265 --> 00:22:50.236
  • Else that takes place in this mission. and that's a long
  • 00:22:50.236 --> 00:22:53.373
  • Journey before the flight. and we do it very, very
  • 00:22:53.373 --> 00:22:57.043
  • Professionally. i think a very good teamwork with other units
  • 00:22:57.043 --> 00:23:02.482
  • And others that take place in these missions. for the flight
  • 00:23:02.482 --> 00:23:06.652
  • Itself, it's a long flight and it's a long time to be focused.
  • 00:23:06.652 --> 00:23:11.023
  • In some places you need to be focused, and in some places
  • 00:23:11.023 --> 00:23:15.328
  • After crossing enemy lines, you need to be very focused. and i
  • 00:23:15.328 --> 00:23:19.799
  • Think the effort is keeping focused for a long time. and
  • 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:24.837
  • What keeps you calm is understanding that you're taking
  • 00:23:24.837 --> 00:23:27.640
  • Part from a big team that works together, and one keeps the
  • 00:23:27.640 --> 00:23:31.778
  • Other, it gives you a lot of confidence knowing that someone
  • 00:23:31.778 --> 00:23:36.849
  • Is keeping you and that you keep you can keep him. it gives you a
  • 00:23:36.849 --> 00:23:41.654
  • Very good feeling in these places which you're under danger
  • 00:23:41.654 --> 00:23:46.259
  • And behind enemy lines. a long, long way from home.
  • 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:50.296
  • >> lieutenant colonel a, i want to say, first of all, thank you.
  • 00:23:50.296 --> 00:23:53.633
  • And two, to tell you that everyone in this country and i
  • 00:23:53.633 --> 00:23:56.335
  • Think around the world is looking at you and your comrades
  • 00:23:56.335 --> 00:23:59.572
  • With admiration and with utmost respect for the amazing, amazing
  • 00:23:59.572 --> 00:24:04.610
  • Success. thousands of sorties over iran, zero casualties, zero
  • 00:24:04.610 --> 00:24:09.415
  • Planes shot down. i think this is something that's going to go
  • 00:24:09.415 --> 00:24:13.085
  • Down in the books of history for many years to come, and i hope
  • 00:24:13.085 --> 00:24:15.655
  • You feel the respect and the sense of fulfillment that so
  • 00:24:15.655 --> 00:24:21.394
  • Many people see of what you did in iran. thank you very much.
  • 00:24:21.394 --> 00:24:25.031
  • >> thank you very much. also.
  • 00:24:25.031 --> 00:24:26.933
  • >> from the skies above iran to the runways in israel, we've
  • 00:24:26.933 --> 00:24:31.704
  • What it takes to make history. the courage in the
  • 00:24:31.704 --> 00:24:35.141
  • Cockpit, the precision on the ground and the true warriors
  • 00:24:35.141 --> 00:24:39.545
  • Humility in every moment. this victory wasn't luck. it was the
  • 00:24:39.545 --> 00:24:43.816
  • Result of skill, sacrifice, years of preparations and
  • 00:24:43.816 --> 00:24:48.387
  • Unshakable partnership to our pilots, our technicians, and
  • 00:24:48.387 --> 00:24:52.859
  • Every soldier, commander and leader behind this operation. we
  • 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:56.796
  • Say thank you. you're protected the nation and you've reshaped
  • 00:24:56.796 --> 00:25:00.800
  • The future. the road ahead may still hold challenges, but
  • 00:25:00.800 --> 00:25:04.971
  • Without a doubt, israel stands strong. our alliance with the
  • 00:25:04.971 --> 00:25:09.375
  • United states has never been clearer, and together we've
  • 00:25:09.375 --> 00:25:13.679
  • Shown the world that we don't just survive, we win. i'm
  • 00:25:13.679 --> 00:25:18.050
  • Israel. hi. we hope you enjoyed this report. now we'll take a
  • 00:25:18.050 --> 00:25:22.655
  • Short commercial break, after which we'll return to pray
  • 00:25:22.655 --> 00:25:26.359
  • Together for israel. so stay with us. a war zone in the gaza
  • 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:35.568
  • Strip. been under fire by hamas terrorists. you don't have time
  • 00:25:35.568 --> 00:25:39.539
  • To sit and drink your coffee and wake up in the morning and get
  • 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:42.808
  • Ready for the day and prepare. so sometimes i woke up at two in
  • 00:25:42.808 --> 00:25:47.980
  • The morning after an hour and a half of sleep, and you need to
  • 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:52.018
  • Wake up immediately and do your job and do it to perfection. or
  • 00:25:52.018 --> 00:25:55.688
  • People die.
  • 00:25:55.688 --> 00:25:56.923
  • >> you literally have your life on the line. you don't know what
  • 00:25:57.023 --> 00:26:00.192
  • Corner you turn, and somebody got a gun pointed at you.
  • 00:26:00.192 --> 00:26:07.266
  • >> so in order to wake up, i just took a pill and i really
  • 00:26:07.266 --> 00:26:10.870
  • Felt the energy levels go up faster. the clarity of mind that
  • 00:26:10.870 --> 00:26:15.441
  • Doesn't usually happen immediately when you wake up in
  • 00:26:15.441 --> 00:26:17.810
  • The morning. and i don't remember taking much stuff with
  • 00:26:17.810 --> 00:26:21.380
  • Me into the gaza strip. had my sleeping bag, a flashlight, and
  • 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:25.718
  • A vineyard bottle. so that's what i had with me.
  • 00:26:25.718 --> 00:26:29.221
  • >> you're a young person. you're very healthy, but you still
  • 00:26:29.221 --> 00:26:32.191
  • Think that vinea was helpful to get you to even a higher level
  • 00:26:32.191 --> 00:26:36.362
  • Of performance?
  • 00:26:36.362 --> 00:26:37.597
  • >> it's helping me to exceed my normal abilities. so let's say,
  • 00:26:37.697 --> 00:26:41.601
  • You know, i'm at 100%, and that puts me at 120. we're raising
  • 00:26:41.601 --> 00:26:46.505
  • Three kids. you need to be sharp to make the right decisions.
  • 00:26:46.505 --> 00:26:49.709
  • >> raising three kids may be equal to combat.
  • 00:26:49.709 --> 00:26:52.945
  • >> a lot harder, a lot harder. listen, i'm still taking dinner
  • 00:26:52.945 --> 00:26:56.549
  • Every day because i want to be there with my kids when they
  • 00:26:56.549 --> 00:26:59.852
  • Grow old. they want to be able to dance at their wedding and
  • 00:26:59.852 --> 00:27:03.022
  • Carry my kids and my grandkids for years to come. and this is
  • 00:27:03.022 --> 00:27:06.993
  • The time to start. i mean, when you're young.
  • 00:27:06.993 --> 00:27:10.996
  • The time to start. i mean, when you're young.
  • 00:27:10.996 --> 00:27:15.989
  • Thank you for coming back. i want to ask you guys at this
  • 00:27:17.124 --> 00:27:20.728
  • Part of the show to unite in prayer for the peace of
  • 00:27:20.728 --> 00:27:24.531
  • Jerusalem. but when you do, make sure to make it personal. our
  • 00:27:24.531 --> 00:27:29.670
  • God is a personal god. so let's pray for an idf family. let's
  • 00:27:29.670 --> 00:27:34.408
  • Pray for a hostage and his family. let's pray for their
  • 00:27:34.408 --> 00:27:39.713
  • Swift return back to israel, our father in heaven. thank you for
  • 00:27:39.713 --> 00:27:45.285
  • Protecting the people of israel during these multiple wars from
  • 00:27:45.285 --> 00:27:50.591
  • Multiple directions for so many days. let's pray for the
  • 00:27:50.591 --> 00:27:55.295
  • Hostages to return to their families healthy, mentally and
  • 00:27:55.295 --> 00:27:59.633
  • Physically. let's pray for the idf soldiers. for soldiers that
  • 00:27:59.633 --> 00:28:04.571
  • Work with us at tv, israel to return safely from gaza to
  • 00:28:04.571 --> 00:28:09.610
  • Their families in israel. let's unite in prayer for the peace of
  • 00:28:09.610 --> 00:28:14.848
  • Jerusalem, that your will will be done. god in this region.
  • 00:28:14.848 --> 00:28:21.488
  • Hashem yeshua hamashiach. in the name of jesus. amen.
  • 00:28:21.488 --> 00:28:21.488