The courage of the Israeli Air Force?

I've just been sent this link to Ha'aretz. Ze'ev Schiff is arguing that the Israeli airforce (IAF) performed best out of all of Israel's forces. But how so? Cop this:

The last war was unusual in its fairly ideal conditions for the IAF: It faced no opposing air force; the enemy lacked surface-to-air missiles and had only a small number of anti-aircraft guns; the battle took place close to bases that were well-defended and available at all times; and the IAF had time on its side.

In other words, the IAF performs best when it is unopposed by those gun thingies. The zionists must be so proud of their airborne heroes!