Radar systems in Iran breached prior to Israel's Saturday counter-strike - report

Shortly before Israel launched its retaliatory attack on Iran on Saturday, radar systems in the Iranian defense systems were breached, and the radar screens froze, KAN reported on Monday, citing Iranian sources.

Due to this possible breach, Iran's ability to intercept targets was limited and allowed the Israeli air force to penetrate Iranian airspace, Iranian sources were cited by the Israeli state broadcaster as saying. 

Prior to launching the attack on Iran on Saturday, Israel conducted a preliminary strike on radar targets in Syria aimed at "blinding" Iran's capabilities. 

Attacking radar allowed Israel to deepen strikes in Iran

This attack on Syrian radar targets allowed Israel to escalate into an offensive targeting Tehran and Karaj, Iran's capital and an additional strategic location. 

The Israeli operation, which involved over 100 aircraft traveling approximately 2,000 kilometers, likely began with initial waves attacking radar and air defense systems to clear the path for subsequent strikes on military bases. The earlier coordinated strike in Syria neutralized similar threats and prevented Iran from building situational awareness of Israel's offensive plans. 

Iran's military later said that Israeli warplanes used "very light warheads" to strike border radar systems in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and around Tehran. 

Amir Bohbot and Reuters contributed to this report.