Ze'ev Raz is a retired colonel in the Israeli Air Force and former fighter pilot, best known for commanding the 1981 Operation Opera airstrike that destroyed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad. Born in 1947 in Tiberias, Israel, he pursued a military career, joining the Israeli Air Force and rising to lead the elite 101 Squadron. He orchestrated the precise and daring mission on June 7, 1981, which involved eight F-16 fighters and six F-15 escorts flying over 1,000 kilometers to neutralize the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's nuclear program. The operation, authorized by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, was a pivotal moment in Israeli military history, demonstrating the IAF's capabilities and preventing what Israel viewed as an existential threat. Throughout his service, Raz exemplified leadership in high-stakes aviation operations, contributing to Israel's defense during a period of regional tensions. After retiring from active duty, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, though he has occasionally shared insights on military strategy and aviation in interviews and writings. His role in Operation Opera cemented his legacy as a key figure in Israel's security apparatus, with the mission remaining a subject of international debate regarding preemptive strikes and nuclear non-proliferation.