In an interview aired by Channel 12, a pro-Israeli government media outlet, a senior intelligence officer in Israel’s elite Unit 9900 has disclosed details of Israeli airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory — including the first confirmed attack on the Natanz nuclear facility and targeted assassinations of high-ranking members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Major L., the outgoing head of Unit 9900’s decoding section, spoke with satisfaction about the long-term surveillance and precision that went into what she called “significant achievements” in Iran. “You follow a target for months and then you see the hit and realize — it was successful,” she said.
The Natanz uranium enrichment facility — one of Iran’s most heavily guarded and strategically vital nuclear installations — was severely damaged in a strike carried out by Israeli Air Force jets, backed by real-time and historical intelligence from several IDF units. “We analyzed how to hit Natanz,” Major L. explained, “and we saw that there was a positive BDA,” referring to the Bomb Damage Assessment process that confirms the effectiveness of military strikes.
According to Major L., Unit 9900’s work includes “visual decoding, precise mapping, and satellite-based geographic intelligence,” all of which were instrumental in the Natanz operation. “The plans didn’t remain in the air — they were put into practice,” she said.
The report by Channel 12 underscores the intense collaboration between the Israeli Intelligence Corps and Air Force pilots. “We framed the targets in advance in a process that lasted years,” she added. “We also have the ability to track targets as they happen, which is essential for carrying out targeted assassinations.”
Photos released by the IDF Spokesperson show images of the destroyed Natanz facility, as well as buildings in Tehran reportedly associated with Iranian military leaders. “We also framed houses, offices, and anywhere we thought the perpetrator might be staying,” Major L. revealed, noting that the unit employed “all kinds of materials” and surveillance methods to prepare for the strikes.
In addition to damaging the Natanz facility, the IDF claims to have eliminated several senior commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in surgical strikes, aided by Unit 9900’s intelligence. “We find creative ways to continue tracking the enemy,” said Major L., citing Israel’s technological edge in satellite imagery and classified surveillance tools.
The operations were conducted on the sixth day of what is now being referred to as the war in Iran, a dramatic escalation in the shadow conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic. Despite the success, the officer stressed that the work is far from over. “We are not in a state of euphoria… we are looking for additional opportunities.”
The interview concluded with a personal note from Major L., who is concluding her tenure with Unit 9900. “Yes, I worked on it for two years. It’s a very significant closure for me… It’s an event that I’m very happy to take part in and see it reach this peak just as I reach the end.”
