The Israel Defense Forces had an alternative “shadow command” standing by during the 12-day war with Iran to ensure operational continuity if a counter-attack from Tehran took out the military’s command structure.

The “Shadow General Staff,” headed by Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai and staffed by generals in the reserves, was updated regarding the IDF attack plans and moved to a secret location ahead of the June 13 opening strike on Iran’s nuclear program, Hebrew media reported on Monday.

The shadow team, which was disconnected from the IDF’s regular communication infrastructure to prevent cyberattacks and physical intrusions of its base, was meant to be activated only in case of a complete loss of command, a scenario that did not materialize.