VFI News IDF Plans Weeks More of Strikes on Iran as Over 5,000 Bombs Dropped

In this week’s VFI News report, Barry Segal covers the dramatic escalation of the Israel–Iran war following a major strike on Iran’s leadership in Tehran. The conflict, which traces back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has now reached a critical turning point as Israel and the United States launch coordinated strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, missile sites, and strategic targets across the country.

Iran has retaliated with ballistic missiles and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities, including Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv, causing casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. As the war expands, Hezbollah has also entered the conflict by firing rockets into northern Israel, prompting intensified Israeli airstrikes against the terror group in Lebanon. Meanwhile, tensions are rising across the Middle East as Iran launches attacks toward U.S. bases and neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long warned about the threat posed by the Iranian regime and its regional network of proxies, often referred to as the “axis of resistance,” including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. As the Israel–Iran war unfolds, global powers including NATO countries, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China are closely watching developments while energy markets react to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical shipping routes for global oil and natural gas supplies.

On Israel’s home front, communities are facing daily missile alerts and growing psychological stress as thousands of IDF reservists have been mobilized to defend the country. Vision for Israel continues its humanitarian efforts during this crisis by providing bomb shelters, emergency assistance, financial aid, food support, and counseling services for families affected by the ongoing war.

As events continue to unfold rapidly across the Middle East, VFI News brings analysis and updates on the Israel–Iran conflict, regional security developments, and the humanitarian needs facing Israeli communities during this critical time.

Stay informed with VFI News from Israel.

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The Israeli military is planning for at least one to two more weeks of operations against Iran, aiming to strike thousands more regime targets in a campaign of systematic degradation. As of Wednesday, March 5, the Israeli Air Force had dropped more than 5,000 bombs during strikes in Iran since the conflict began on Saturday, March 1. IAF fighter jets continue to deepen air superiority throughout Iranian airspace, with particular emphasis on the Tehran area. Israel’s stated goal is the comprehensive dismantling of the Iranian regime’s military infrastructure.

More than 100 fighter jets carried out airstrikes against a compound in eastern Tehran on Wednesday, dropping over 250 bombs in a single wave. The IDF struck the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC Quds Force, the intelligence directorate, the Basij paramilitary force, and Iran’s cyber unit. An armed Iranian ballistic missile launcher in the Kermanshah area of western Iran was also destroyed by an Israeli F-35I fighter jet. The headquarters were struck while Iranian personnel responsible for managing terror operations were operating from them.

Israeli military officials described the conflict as the first full-scale joint military campaign between Israel and the United States, following months of extensive joint planning. Joint coordination cells are operating in both Israel and the US, synchronizing intelligence, targets, and defense measures. More than 1,000 American troops are stationed in Israel, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been speaking daily with US CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we pray in Yeshua’s Name for the safety and protection of all IDF soldiers and pilots engaged in this campaign. We ask You to guide the leaders of Israel with wisdom and discernment as they make critical decisions that affect the lives of millions. Strengthen and shield every servicemember and bring this conflict to a just and peaceful resolution. We pray for the innocent civilians on all sides, that You would protect them from harm and bring comfort to those who are suffering.”

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered his first public statement on Thursday, March 5, since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, declaring that Israel has additional surprise moves planned in its campaign against Iran. Zamir stated that after completing the surprise opening blow and establishing air superiority, the military is moving to the next stage. This phase will intensify strikes against the foundations of the Iranian regime and its military capabilities.

Zamir revealed that in the opening strike carried out on Saturday, February 28, dozens of munitions were dropped on three targets, eliminating approximately 40 senior Iranian regime figures in just 40 seconds, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israeli Air Force pilots have carried out 2,500 strikes and dropped more than 6,000 munitions so far. Within 24 hours, IAF pilots paved an air corridor to Tehran, destroying about 80 percent of Iran’s air defense systems and achieving near-complete air superiority over Iranian skies.

The Chief of Staff noted that more than 60 percent of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers have been neutralized or destroyed, calling it a significant achievement that reduces damage to the Israeli home front and saves lives. Zamir also addressed the northern front, stating that Hezbollah made a strategic mistake by joining the campaign and is paying a heavy price. IDF forces have been ordered to move forward and deepen the line of control along the Lebanese border while positioning at key points in southern Lebanon.

(INN/VFI News)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

Two Iranian bombers were shot down by Qatari fighter jets shortly before they could reach targets near al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, which typically houses about 10,000 American service members. The incident occurred on Monday, March 3, when Iran’s Revolutionary Guard dispatched two Soviet-era Su-24 tactical bombers toward the base and toward Ras Laffan, a key Qatari natural gas processing facility. The Iranian jets were just two minutes from their targets when they were intercepted.

The aircraft were visually identified and photographed carrying bombs and guided munitions. Qatari authorities issued a warning over the radio, but received no response from the Iranian pilots. The bombers had descended to approximately 80 feet in an apparent attempt to evade radar detection, and due to time constraints, they were classified as hostile. A Qatari F-15 then engaged the Iranian planes in aerial combat and shot them down.

The Iranian aircraft crashed into Qatar’s territorial waters, and a search is underway for the crews. US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine confirmed the incident at a Pentagon briefing on Wednesday, March 5. The incident marked the first time Iran used manned aircraft to target a neighboring country since the elimination of Ali Khamenei and the first time the Qatari air force has engaged in air-to-air combat. Qatar’s Prime Minister described the attack as “escalatory” and showing “no genuine desire” by Iran to de-escalate.

(INN/VFI News)

“Heavenly Father, we lift up the brave servicemembers of all nations who stand against aggression and terror in this hour. We thank You for protecting the lives of those at al-Udeid Air Base and for giving the Qatari pilots the skill and courage to intercept this attack. We pray for stability in the Gulf region and that the nations there would unite in the cause of peace and security. Guide the leaders of these nations with Your wisdom, and may Your hand of protection rest upon all who serve in harm’s way.”

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday, March 5, that two drones launched from Iranian territory struck the international airport in the Nakhchivan exclave, marking the first direct Iranian attack on Azerbaijan since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion on Saturday, February 28. Two people were injured, and airport infrastructure sustained damage. The strike targeted a civilian-military airport located approximately 10 kilometers from the Iranian border.

In response, Baku summoned Iran’s ambassador for a formal reprimand, stressing that Azerbaijan reserves the right to respond to the attack. Analysts say the strike was likely deliberate, as Azerbaijan is considered one of Israel’s closest security partners in the region. For years, extensive security cooperation between the two countries has been well documented, with Azerbaijan relying heavily on Israeli-made military equipment.

The attack on Azerbaijan is part of a broader pattern of Iranian strikes against multiple nations since the start of the conflict. Iran has fired on Israel, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Bahrain, Oman, and now Azerbaijan, raising alarm that Tehran is deliberately widening the war to impose costs on the US-led coalition. The drone strikes on Nakhchivan have further strained relations between Baku and Tehran, already tense over allegations of Israeli intelligence activity along their shared border.

(INN/VFI News)

“He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” – Isaiah 2:4

This beautiful hymn is a prayer from Deuteronomy 26:15, expressing a great desire that God would look upon us with an eye of love, complacency, and delight—and to grant the promises that He has made to us for abundance and prosperity. Enjoy this warm, personal communication with God, set to serene scenes and timeless tones from the Land.

Former US special operations soldier Brett Velicovich said on Thursday, March 5, that Iran’s longstanding strategy of incrementally eroding its enemies’ forces has become ineffective and that the United States has signaled it will no longer engage in “nuclear roulette” with the Iranian regime. Iran’s campaign of attacks across the Middle East and beyond has struck at least 12 countries, raising concerns the regime could be intentionally prolonging the conflict. Velicovich described Iran’s approach as launching drones, arming proxy militias, and threatening shipping lanes in a pattern of gradual escalation designed to exhaust its adversaries.

Velicovich argued that this strategy only works when the United States hesitates, and that the current administration has made clear it will not abandon its red lines. He emphasized that US forces are prepared to respond wherever American interests are threatened and are actively monitoring the entire strategic landscape. His comments came as US forces continued launching precision strikes on Iranian missile infrastructure across the country.

Rather than destabilizing its neighbors, Tehran’s attempt at regional escalation has instead unified adversaries and triggered a more forceful coalition response. Iran has fired on Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Cyprus, and Bahrain, among others. National security analysts noted that the seemingly erratic strikes support Tehran’s strategy of widening the war and forcing adversaries to deplete limited supplies, but this approach appears to be accelerating unified opposition rather than fracturing it.

(FOX/VFI News)

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” – Isaiah 54:17

New antisemitic conspiracy theories surfaced this week after the outbreak of the Iran war, with far-right commentator Tucker Carlson leading his Wednesday, March 4, show with baseless claims that the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement is behind the conflict. Carlson alleged that Chabad is pushing for the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, framing the military campaign as a “global religious war” orchestrated by Jews. The Secure Community Network, a US Jewish community security group, issued a bulletin warning of potential threats to American Jews amid a surge of antisemitic rhetoric online.

US President Donald Trump dismissed Carlson’s claims, stating that “Tucker has lost his way” and “is not MAGA.” The Republican Jewish Coalition condemned the remarks as "disgusting," affirming that President Trump and his administration reject the accusations entirely. Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a Chabad community leader in Brooklyn, called the claims “a dangerous blood libel,” emphasizing that Chabad’s focus is on encouraging good deeds and bringing goodness into the world.

Chabad-Lubavitch is a global Hasidic Jewish movement known for its warm outreach efforts and community centers worldwide; it does not function as a political advocacy organization. Carlson’s claims were based on patches worn by Israeli soldiers depicting the Temple, which were produced by the unaffiliated Temple Institute in Jerusalem and have no connection to Chabad. The rhetoric has raised serious concerns about the physical safety of Jewish institutions, particularly after a deadly attack on a Chabad Hanukkah celebration in Sydney in December and a vehicle ramming at Chabad’s Brooklyn headquarters in January.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Dear God, we pray in Yeshua’s Name against the rising tide of antisemitism and hatred targeting the Jewish people around the world. We ask You to protect Jewish communities from those who spread lies and incite violence against them. Soften the hearts of those consumed by hatred and open their eyes to the truth. We pray that You would be a shield around Your people and confound those who plot evil against them. May Your peace and protection cover every Jewish community, synagogue, and gathering place.”

The United Nations Human Rights Council cut off a video statement from a human rights expert after she began criticizing UN officials for covering up the use of rape as a weapon of war by Hamas terrorists during and after the October 7 massacre. The incident occurred on Friday, February 27, during a dialogue with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Prof. Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, was silenced just 45 seconds into her assigned 90-second speaking slot by the Council’s president.

Prof. Bayefsky was interrupted after naming Francesca Albanese, Navi Pillay, and Chris Sidoti for covering up Palestinian use of rape as a weapon of war and for trafficking in antisemitism. She also named ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces allegations of repeated sexual assaults and, she argued, used the arrest warrants against Israeli leaders to deflect attention from those accusations. The Council President, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro of Indonesia, claimed her remarks were not within the “appropriate framework, terminology and decorum” of the Council.

Prof. Bayefsky described the Council as a forum where antisemitic speech flows freely while factual criticism of UN officials is silenced. Other speakers were permitted to make unsubstantiated accusations of genocide and starvation against Israel without interruption, while her documented statements were deemed “inflammatory.” She was the only American NGO scheduled to speak at the session and was prevented from completing her remarks.

(INN/VFI News)

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” – Isaiah 5:20

In major events held in Jerusalem on February 16 and 17, the State of Israel and world Jewry celebrated the reclamation of the 3,000-year-old Mount of Olives, the historic burial site of more than 150,000 Jews over the ages. The events were sponsored by the International Committee for Har Hazeitim (ICHH) in conjunction with the Israeli government and the Municipality of Jerusalem. The highlight of the two-day mission was a ceremony marking the completion of the first floor of the Visitor Education Center, which ICHH is building in partnership with national and municipal entities.

The mission began with a Town Hall Meeting at the Begin Center, where United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee spoke about the vital importance of securing and protecting Har Hazeitim. Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rabbi Kalman Ber and Rabbi David Yosef, praised ICHH for ending the rampant vandalism that once plagued the site. President Isaac Herzog noted that his own grandfather, former President Chaim Herzog, is buried on the mountain and declared his full readiness to support the ICHH mission.

The Knesset, headed by Speaker Amir Ohana, paused its national schedule to honor ICHH, with more than 20 Members of Knesset and six government ministers in attendance. Since its founding in 2010, ICHH has installed 176 surveillance cameras, established a police substation, erected new fences and gates, and undertaken extensive rehabilitation of the cemetery. The keynote event was the dedication of the first floor of the Visitor Education Center, with the project now advancing to the construction of the second floor.

(INN/VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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