Israel’s surprise strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure stunned observers and reshaped strategic balances within the region. Former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman hailed the strike as a defining moment. “I would say in the 3,500‑year history of the Jewish people, what happened last night is up there with the splitting of the Red Sea, the Six‑Day War, and the raid on Entebbe,” he told Fox News.
Dubbed Operation Rising Lion, the mission involved over 200 Israeli aircraft conducting five waves of airstrikes on approximately 100 carefully chosen military sites, including nuclear facilities at Natanz. Complementing the air assault, Mossad operatives executed covert sabotage operations aimed at crippling Iran’s air defenses—stripping Tehran of critical protective layers.
To mask intentions, the Israeli government employed a complex disinformation campaign. Officials falsely announced hostage‑focused meetings and diplomatic visits, all to lull Iran into a false sense of security. “The aim was to put Iran to sleep,” a senior source revealed.
The operation resulted in the deaths of a number of top Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders and nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran launched a barrage of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israeli cities, targeting homes, schools, and civilian infrastructure. While many were intercepted, sirens blared across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. As of Sunday, June 15, Iran’s strikes have killed at least 14 Israelis and injured over 180. Among the casualties, homes and buildings sustained significant damage, though air defenses largely minimized fatalities.
The operation inflicted significant casualties in Iran—reportedly 78 dead including scientists and senior commanders—while Iran’s counterattack caused civilian harm in Israel.
Friedman emphasized the strategic effectiveness of the operation. “The people of Israel right now are feeling a lot better, and I would say people in America woke up this morning a lot safer than they were yesterday,” he asserted.
The former ambassador added that Israel’s daring preemptive surprise strike may have just helped to safeguard Jewish communities “for another 100 years.”
