Israel Killed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief and Basij Commander in Covert Drone Operations

Israel Killed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief and Basij Commander in Covert Drone Operations

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 19, 2026

JERUSALEM – In an unprecedented declaration on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly asserted responsibility for a series of aggressive, covert aerial and drone operations targeting high-ranking Iranian military officials. Netanyahu claimed Israel had “eliminated” Ali Larijani, whom he identified as the “boss of the Revolutionary Guards,” and the commander of the Basij forces, described as “henchmen of the gangsters” responsible for internal repression in Iran.

This announcement marks a dramatic and open escalation of the long-standing shadow war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, transitioning from ambiguous threats and unverified reports to an explicit assertion of direct military action against the highest echelons of the Islamic Republic’s security apparatus.

Direct Strikes Against Iranian Leadership

Netanyahu specifically named “Ali Larijani” as the “boss of the Revolutionary Guards,” a powerful entity wielding significant economic, political, and military influence.

The simultaneous claim of eliminating the Basij commander targets the regime’s primary instrument of internal control.

It is important to note that publicly available information identifies Major General Hossein Salami as the current IRGC commander, and a prominent figure named Ali Larijani is known as a former parliamentary speaker, not the current head of the IRGC. This discrepancy will likely draw scrutiny.

Confirmed Aerial and Drone Methodology

The Prime Minister explicitly detailed the nature of these operations, stating, “We’re operating there too; operating from the air with Air Force planes, with drones.” This confirms a sustained, technologically advanced campaign capable of reaching deep into Iranian territory.

Strategic Objective: Regime Undermining and Ouster

Netanyahu articulated a clear strategic goal: “We’re undermining this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people a chance to oust it.” While acknowledging the difficulty, he expressed conviction that persistent efforts would “give them the opportunity to take their fate into their own hands.” This public declaration of aiming for regime change, even indirectly, represents a significant and potentially provocative statement.

Enhanced U.S.-Israel Alliance in the Gulf

Netanyahu disclosed a “long conversation with President Trump yesterday,” emphasizing robust cooperation. He highlighted joint efforts between “our air forces and navies” and coordination “between me and President Trump and his people” in the Gulf. This suggests a deepening military alliance focused on countering Iranian influence through both “indirect attacks, which create immense pressure on the Iranian regime, and with direct operations.”

Warning of “Plenty of Surprises”

In a veiled threat, Netanyahu quoted, “With stratagems shall we wage war,” adding, “We won’t reveal all the stratagems here, but I told you: there are many of them.” This strongly implies an ongoing, multi-faceted, and clandestine campaign with further actions planned.

Call for National Resolve

Addressing domestic anxieties, particularly post-October 7th, Netanyahu stressed the importance of unwavering determination from leaders, commanders, and the populace.

He urged citizens to “ignore the channels of gloom” and recognize Israel’s position as “a mighty power, almost a global one, with the friend who is the global superpower, fighting shoulder to shoulder.”

Commitment to Domestic Support

The Prime Minister concluded by promising expanded compensation and aid plans for citizens, particularly those in the North and anyone affected by ongoing conflicts.

Analysis: A New, Volatile Chapter in Regional Tensions

Netanyahu’s extraordinary statement, if independently confirmed and acknowledged by Iran, signifies a dramatic shift in regional dynamics.

The public admission of targeting Iran’s top military and security figures via aerial and drone attacks within Iran’s perceived sphere of influence indicates a willingness to undertake unprecedented risks.

The identification of “Ali Larijani” as the Revolutionary Guards’ chief requires immediate clarification, given established leadership structures. This specific detail will undoubtedly be a focal point for intense scrutiny.

The explicit linking of these operations to the objective of empowering the Iranian people to oust the regime is a direct challenge to Tehran’s authority.

Furthermore, the detailed account of enhanced U.S.-Israeli military and intelligence cooperation in the Gulf points to a coordinated regional strategy designed to exert maximum pressure on the Iranian government.

This declaration is highly likely to provoke a strong response from Tehran, potentially escalating an already volatile regional environment. The world awaits to see the immediate and long-term ramifications of what Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared as a direct and ongoing “war of stratagems” against Iran.