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JERUSALEM – In rare interviews with The Jerusalem Post, two young Israeli Air Force pilots – Lt. “Y.” and Lt. “T.” – have provided an inside look at the extensive and complex operations carried out by Israel’s F-16 squadrons in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and beyond.
Both pilots have participated in high-stakes missions, including precision strikes deep inside enemy territory, often under extreme operational conditions.
Their accounts shed light on the strategic role of Israel’s fourth-generation F-16I fighter jets, which remain vital despite the introduction of the more advanced F-35.
Lt. Y., 23, recounted missions over Damascus in December, where Israeli aircraft reportedly flew low over the presidential palace. “After the Syrian air defenses were disabled during the civil war, we could act much more freely,” he said. “We achieved supremacy in areas we previously avoided.”
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) used this tactical advantage to map out aggressive operations and gather intelligence across Syria. According to IDF estimates, nearly 70% of Syria’s quality military assets were destroyed during this period, including aircraft runways and missile platforms, to thwart Iranian and Turkish expansion.
Lt. T., just 22, described the formidable challenge of striking Houthi targets in Yemen. “It was a five-hour flight with midair refueling,” he explained. “It tested our endurance and focus – you train for it, but in reality, it’s another level.”
He confirmed that the missions targeted key infrastructure and economic hubs used by the Houthis to transport arms. “We hit everything we needed to. The impact was significant,” T. said, adding that operational success often hinged on coordination with drones and ground intelligence to avoid civilian casualties.
F-16 squadrons also played a crucial role in Gaza and Lebanon. Y. described air support missions assisting IDF ground troops and rescue operations for returning hostages. “We worked in real time with soldiers on the ground. I had friends down there – it was personal,” he said.
In Lebanon, strikes focused on Hezbollah’s rocket platforms and weapons depots. “It was a rapid and powerful show of force,” said T. “We trained hard and then saw the results.”
The pilots emphasized the complexity of mid-mission decisions and adapting to real-time changes. Coordination between pilots, drones, and command centers was critical in ensuring both mission success and the prevention of civilian casualties.
“We abort if civilians are nearby,” said Y. “There were many cases where we delayed or canceled attacks to avoid harming innocent lives.”
Despite their youth, both pilots have played roles in some of Israel’s most sophisticated aerial operations. “This war was unlike anything we imagined,” said T. “To accomplish these missions at our age is extraordinary.”
The interviews reveal a generation of pilots navigating the technical, moral, and strategic challenges of modern warfare – and doing so with a mix of youthful determination and professional resolve.