High stakes of modern warfare
IDF’s Secret ‘Shadow Unit’ Activated During Iran War
The Israel Defense Forces activated a secret backup command unit, the “Shadow General Staff,” during the June 2025 Operation Rising Lion against Iran to ensure continuity of military leadership amid fears of a decapitation strike. Operating from a cyber-secure bunker, the unit prepared for worst-case scenarios as Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli military targets.
In an unprecedented move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activated a covert backup command unit, dubbed the “Shadow General Staff,” during its June 2025 war with Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion, to safeguard military leadership against a potential Iranian decapitation strike. Led by Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, the unit operated from a secret, cyber-secure bunker, disconnected from regular communications to protect against cyberattacks, according to reports from Yedioth Ahronoth and Israel National News.
The Shadow General Staff was mobilized ahead of Israel’s June 13, 2025, preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, driven by intelligence warnings that Iran might target IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior commanders in retaliation. The unit, comprising reserve generals and brigadier generals pre-trained for such an emergency, was briefed on the full combat plans to ensure operational continuity in the event of a “complete loss of command.”
Iran did attempt to strike the IDF’s Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv with missiles and drones during the 12-day war, causing minor damage, as reported by Ynet. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed a precision-guided missile strike on the Kirya, which they described as Israel’s “version of the Pentagon,” though the IDF refuted claims of significant impact. Fortunately, the Shadow General Staff was not needed to assume control, as the primary command structure remained intact.
The activation, a historic first for the IDF, was part of extensive preparations for a potential Iranian counterattack, which included up to 2,500 missiles at Iran’s disposal, with projections of 8,000 within two years, per IDF Chief of Staff Zamir’s June 20 statement.
The move proved Israel’s heightened alertness amid fears of Iranian retaliation targeting its military leadership, especially after the elimination of key Iranian figures like IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani.