Operation Rising Lion:Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a bold military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In a powerful address, Prime Minister Netanyahu detailed the reasons behind the strikes, citing Iran’s alarming nuclear advancements and threats to Israel’s existence. The operation aims to neutralize Iran’s capability to produce atomic weapons and deliver them via long-range missiles. Netanyahu also issued a historic warning to the world, linking today’s threat to past failures before World War II. Read the full article to understand the scale of the operation, its strategic targets, and its global implications.
Operation Rising Lion
In a dramatic and defining moment, Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a comprehensive military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. The move marks a significant escalation in an already volatile regional dynamic, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the operation a direct response to what he described as an existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.
According to Netanyahu, for decades, Tehran’s leaders have openly advocated for the destruction of Israel. This rhetoric, he asserted, has been backed by a systematic and persistent effort to develop nuclear weapons. He revealed that Iran now possesses enough highly-enriched uranium for nine atomic bombs and has recently taken concrete steps toward weaponizing this material—actions that Israel views as crossing a dangerous red line.
PM Netanyahu says: Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Israel could not afford to wait. “It could be a year, it could be within a few months,” he warned, referring to how soon Iran could finalize a nuclear weapon. Citing historical trauma, he invoked the Holocaust and declared that the Jewish state would never again allow itself to be victimized, especially by nuclear threats.
In the initial phase of Operation Rising Lion, Israel claims to have struck key components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the main enrichment facility at Natanz and locations associated with Iran’s weaponization program. Israeli strikes also targeted senior nuclear scientists and engineers involved in developing a nuclear bomb.
Additionally, Israel struck major sites associated with Iran’s ballistic missile program. Netanyahu highlighted that Iran had launched 300 ballistic missiles at Israel the previous year—each capable of carrying one ton of explosives. He warned that in the near future, these same missiles could be retrofitted with nuclear warheads. “Iran is preparing to manufacture tens of thousands of ballistic missiles within three years,” he said, likening the potential devastation to “10,000 tons of TNT landing on a country the size of New Jersey.”
Netanyahu also took a moment to reflect on recent conflicts, saying that Iran’s strategy to encircle Israel with “a ring of fire” through its proxies had failed. He credited the Israeli military with crushing Hamas, devastating Hezbollah, and striking Iranian positions in Syria and Yemen. “When Iran directly attacked us twice last year, we struck back inside Iran itself,” he noted.
In a broader geopolitical context, he argued that Israel’s campaign has had significant repercussions, including the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria and the formation of a new government in Lebanon. He framed these outcomes as victories not only for Israel but also for regional stability.
Addressing the people of Iran directly, Netanyahu clarified that Israel’s fight is not with the Iranian people but with the regime that has ruled over them for nearly five decades. “The day of your liberation is near,” he said, expressing hope for renewed friendship between the two nations.
The Prime Minister warned that the dangers posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions extend beyond Israel. The increasing range of Iranian missiles, he stated, could eventually bring nuclear threats to European capitals and even American cities. “Iran calls Israel the ‘small Satan’ and America the ‘great Satan,’” he said, pointing out that the regime has incited mass chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” for years.
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his unwavering support in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He noted that Trump has consistently insisted that Iran must not be allowed to maintain a nuclear enrichment program.
Reflecting on the lessons of history, Netanyahu warned against repeating the mistakes of the past, referencing the appeasement policies that failed to prevent World War II. “When enemies vow to destroy you, believe them,” he said. “When enemies build weapons of mass death, stop them.”
He ended his address by invoking a biblical command to “be strong and courageous,” praising Israeli soldiers and citizens for standing firm in the face of existential threats. Netanyahu framed this operation not just as a defense of Israel but as a stand for the entire civilized world against tyranny and terrorism.
With Operation Rising Lion now underway, the international community watches closely, aware that the consequences of these actions may echo far beyond the Middle East. Whether this bold strike will succeed in dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions or ignite a broader conflict remains to be seen. But for now, Israel has made its position unmistakably clear: it will act decisively to prevent another catastrophe—no matter the cost.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and developing reports. Geopolitical events are fluid and may evolve rapidly. Readers are advised to follow verified sources for real-time updates.