Israel’s newly appointed air force chief, Major General Omer Tischler, said Tuesday that the country is prepared to deploy its entire fleet of fighter jets against Iran if necessary.

He made the statement at a ceremony marking his assumption of command, weeks into a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East war. The conflict began when Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran in February.

What did Israel’s new air force chief say about Iran?

Tischler said Israel is actively monitoring developments in Iran and stands ready to act. “We are closely monitoring the developments in Iran and are prepared to deploy the entire air force eastward if required,” he said.

He added that the air force would “continue to act with determination, with power and with responsibility against threats in every arena, at every stage and against every enemy.”

Who is Major General Omer Tischler?

Tischler was born in 1975 in northern Israel and is a career airman who rose through the ranks as a combat pilot and commander. He assumed command at Tuesday’s ceremony from his predecessor, Major General Tomer Bar.

His appointment comes at a period of sustained operational pressure on the Israeli air force across multiple fronts.

Since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli air force has conducted an extensive air campaign in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The force has operated continuously across these theatres, making the leadership transition a significant moment for the military.

What did Israel’s military chief say?

Speaking at the same ceremony, Israel’s military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the country remained “on high alert across all fronts.” He said the military was “prepared to respond with force to any attempt to harm Israel.”

The remarks from both commanders signal that Israel considers the ceasefire period a time of continued vigilance, not de-escalation.