IDF: Iran, Lebanon campaigns at full throttle

2026-03-23 - 17:45

Even as President Donald Trump declared progress on diplomatic contacts, the IDF clarified Monday that from the perspective of the forces on the ground, the operational plan is continuing at full force with no change whatsoever. The focus of overnight activity: a broad wave of strikes in the heart of Tehran against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command centers and ballistic missile infrastructure, which significantly disrupted Iran's coordination and launch capabilities. In parallel, the military is investigating the grave incident at Misgav Am in which Ofer Pushko Moshkovitz was killed by friendly fire. The IDF clarified that the military is not a party to any negotiations – a matter that falls exclusively under the authority of the political-diplomatic echelon. As far as the military is concerned, the fighting continues according to the original plan with no change, despite statements from the American administration suggesting the fighting is approaching an end or that agreements with Iran are imminent. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir (Photo: IDF) Iran: Strategic blow to the missile array and command structure The IDF continued a broad wave of strikes on Tehran overnight, targeting regime command centers, a base belonging to the Quds Force responsible for overseeing operational activity, and IRGC headquarters. Particular emphasis was placed on striking components used to produce ballistic missiles and launch systems. Launcher neutralization: to date, more than 330 launchers have been neutralized – approximately 200 of them in the opening strike. Of the remainder, roughly half have been taken out of service, and approximately 100 remain active. System disruption: Iran had planned to fire hundreds of missiles per day in coordinated strikes across multiple sectors, but the damage has created severe communications failures and morale problems. The volume of fire dropped from 80–100 missiles in the first 24-hour period to approximately 10–15 missiles per day today. Air defense achievements: approximately 85% of Iran's air defense array has been destroyed. The IDF notes that the remaining 15% is still dangerous and operating in mobile mode – using tents and vehicles – in an attempt to shoot down aircraft. Ofer Moskowitz (Photo: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27(a)) The tragedy at Misgav Am: the death of Pushko Moshkovitz The IDF reported that the incident in which Ofer Pushko Moshkovitz of blessed memory was killed on Sunday at Misgav Am will be investigated thoroughly. Preliminary findings indicate the incident involved both human error and professional error. While it was initially believed he had been killed by Hezbollah fire, it became clear he was killed by IDF fire. Lebanon: Deepening the maneuver The IDF chief of staff held an approval session Saturday for long-range operational plans in Lebanon. Division activity is intensifying with troop reinforcements in the north. Every night, strategic targets in Dahieh (Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut) – which has been nearly completely evacuated – are being destroyed. The IDF emphasizes that Hezbollah currently has no organized defensive battle underway, and the forces are positioned to continue the maneuver. The ultimate objective remains a fundamental change in the security situation and the disarmament of Hezbollah.