US appeasement of Iran made Rising Lion inevitable — but Israel’s strikes may transform the Middle East

 

Make no mistake: Operation Rising Lion is the inevitable culmination of recent history since at least President Barack Obama eroded all traditional US alliances in the Middle East in favor of a dangerous fantasy that a lasting partnership with the Iranian terror regime was possible.

Obama’s betrayal began years of appeasement of Tehran, interrupted by the first Trump term but then exacerbated in the Biden years — appeasement that actually funded the regime’s growing network of terror proxies.

All the while, Iran doggedly moved ever closer to nuclear-weapons capabilities.

The mullahs doubtless ordered up Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel not only to stop Saudi Arabia from recognizing the state of Israel but also to provide a distraction and cover for the final sprint.

As of Thursday, Tehran had answered the International Atomic Energy Agency’s censure over its nuclear violations (the loudest IAEA alarm bell in 20 years) by announcing the activation of a new, secret third nuclear-enrichment facility — even as it kept up the stall by embracing continued negotiations with US envoys.

That’s when the Israelis moved decisively to lance the festering boil before it was too late.

Any prime minister of Israel, not only Benjamin Netanyahu, would have chosen to do the same at one minute to nuclear midnight.

For Israelis, this is existential.

The Islamic Republic’s ambitions are wholly evil and Tehran’s never been shy in proclaiming it. 

It’s far too early for any safe bets on how this plays out. 

But clearly, with Iran showing no serious intention to strike a deal with Trump as the clock ticked ever closer to a nuclear Iran, Israel felt it had to act now.

Let us point out: Contra the ahistorical, twisted, click baiting fearmongers on the right, Iran hasn’t dared order attacks on US forces in the region, nor is Washington being magically “drawn into Israel’s war.”

Rather, Israel is doing the world-policeman work — “excellent” work, as President Donald Trump acknowledged Friday.

If the Iranian regime is defanged enough, it not only retreats as a global nuclear threat but also becomes vulnerable to revolt at home and crippled in projecting power abroad.

That would allow for a further flowering of the Abraham Accords, joining Israel with key Arab nations and a full-on retreat of radicalism across the region — and, yes, perhaps a new golden age.

Caitlyn Jenner stuck in Tel Aviv amid airstrikes between Israel and Iran

Caitlyn Jenner is trapped in Tel Aviv, Israel, as the country’s conflict with Iran continues to escalate. A ‘quiet’ night in Tel Aviv,” the former Olympian, 76, captioned via Instagram Friday a picture of missiles. “There is not a place I’d rather be, than with the brave people of Israel. God, please continue to shield and protect us.”

Jenner, who came out as transgender in 2015, traveled to Israel to host the Tel Aviv Pride Parade. However, according to local outlets, the LGBTQIA+ event was canceled because of all the turmoil. Jenner is still in Israel, though, as flights have been cleared from nearby airspaces and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport remains closed until further notice.

Jenner sat down for an interview with Channel 12 News in Israel recently, and shared that her daughter Kylie Jenner expressed concerns about her going to the Middle East.

“Kylie goes, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to Israel! Are you OK?’ and I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be well taken care of,” the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” alum shared.

“Every time I have talked to somebody about Israel and that they have the second biggest Pride event in the world, everybody is always just, like, shocked.”

Ahead of her journey, Caitlyn shared her excitement for the trip by posting a selfie and accompanying video of her take-off from her airplane.

“What a special place. I’m here to stand with those who believe in hope, not hate. 🤝 ,” she captioned the post on Wednesday.

However, just two days later, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran on Friday in an attempt to destroy its nuclear program and kill its military leaders.

Iran has since retaliated, causing “significant damage” to Israel Defense Forces’ headquarters.

As of Saturday morning, two Iranian generals and three Israeli people have reportedly died due to the ongoing conflict, and at least 43 others have been treated for injuries.

 

Iran - Israel War Updates!

  

New IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour warns:

 “The gates of hell will open on the Zionist enemy.”

🟢 IDF begins mass reserve call-up as part of Operation “Im KeLavi.”

🟢 Iraq files official complaint to the UN over Israeli airspace violations.

🟢 Netanyahu confirms he set the Iran strike for late April, but it was delayed.

🟢 Trump to NY Post: “I always knew the strike date. I know everything.”

🟢 Iranian government spokeswoman accuses Israel of bombing civilian zones.

🟢 IAEA to hold emergency meeting Monday after Iran’s request.

🟢 IAF Commander: “Every launcher hit in Iran saves Israeli lives.”

🟢 Israel’s NSC head Tzachi Hanegbi: “This is only the beginning—there will be casualties.”

🟢 Hanegbi adds: “Airstrikes can’t eliminate the nuclear program. We aim to force Iran to stop.”

🟢 Danny Danon at the UN defends the strike and blasts the UN chief’s silence.

🟢 Senior IDF officers meet to coordinate defense and strike plans across fronts.

🟢 Saudi source: U.S. warned Iraq of direct strikes if militias attack American assets.

🟢 IDF Chief of Staff: “We’re going full speed. Harder days are ahead.”

🟢 Trump tells NYT: “Iran better hurry—my friend Bibi is crazy. Waiting for your call.”

🟢 Khamenei’s televised speech: “The Zionist regime will pay for this crime.”

🟢 Trump meets U.S. National Security Council on Israel-Iran war.

🟢 IDF Spokesman: “We eliminated Iran’s top military brass in the first wave.”

🟢 Israeli warplanes struck the Isfahan nuclear site, targeting uranium reconversion.

IDF eliminates nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists

 

The IDF has released the names of nine Iranian nuclear scientists who were killed in the initial wave of Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program early Friday morning. These individuals, the military says, were instrumental in advancing Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

Among those eliminated were:

• Fereydoon Abbasi – nuclear engineering

• Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi – physics

• Akbar Motalebi Zadeh – chemical engineering

• Saeed Barji – materials engineering

• Amir Hassan Fakhahi – physics

• Abd al-Hamid Minoushehr – reactor physics

• Mansour Asgari – physics

• Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari Daryani – nuclear engineering

• Ali Bakhouei Katirimi – mechanical engineering

The IDF described them as key figures in Iran’s nuclear development efforts, with many considered direct successors to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated in 2020, widely attributed to Israeli intelligence.

According to the military, these scientists were killed in coordinated precision strikes across Tehran, launched in tandem with attacks that also took out several high-ranking military leaders.

The IDF said the operation was the result of a long-term classified initiative involving a dedicated team of intelligence analysts who, over years, secretly tracked and mapped the scientists’ movements and roles. The project gained momentum in the past year and was part of a broader, compartmentalized military strategy targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Three killed, dozens injured after Iran launches 200 missiles at Israel

 

Three people were killed by missiles launched from Iran toward Israel since Friday night. On Saturday morning, a man and woman were pronounced dead after a missile struck a residential neighborhood in a central Israeli city.

Severe damage was caused to buildings and vehicles in the area. Twenty-seven others were injured and evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The mayor of the affected city told Kan Reshet Bet: "These are the most horrifying scenes I’ve ever seen. You have to see what’s happening here to understand why it’s so important to remain in protected spaces."

On Friday night, a 60-year-old woman was killed and 62 others injured when missiles fired from Iran struck multiple locations across the Gush Dan region. Among the wounded was a 65-year-old man in serious condition. The injured were transported to hospitals suffering from moderate to light wounds, as well as shock.

The missiles were aimed at both civilian and military targets. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for strikes on dozens of sites in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to hold a security assessment Saturday night with top defense officials and several ministers.

Israel Fooled the World: Military Strike on Iran Masked by Deception Campaign

 

In a stunning demonstration of strategic cunning, Israel’s overnight strike on Iran was executed under the cloak of what analysts are calling the most complex and effective deception operation in the country’s modern history. The operation—now dubbed Rising Lion—succeeded in catching Tehran completely off guard, targeting nuclear facilities, senior military command, and missile bases deep within Iran’s territory.

"We strike first—so that our children won’t have to strike last.

 

As I sit here in Israel, a free Jew in our eternal homeland, let it be heard loud and clear:

This is not 1939. We are lions. And we will never be threatened again.

Among the high-value targets reportedly eliminated by Israeli precision strikes inside Iran:

– The Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri

– The Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

– The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council

– Senior nuclear scientists

According to Israeli sources, the entire top tier of Iran’s terror machine is being surgically dismantled.

Prime Minister Netanyahu didn’t mince words:

“Iran planned to produce 10,000 ballistic missiles. We could not leave the task to the next generation—because if we had, there would not have been a next generation.”

As we speak, Israeli forces are POUNDING Iran’s nuclear sites across the country. Not with empty words. Not with UN resolutions. But with righteous fire.

Let the world understand:

We are no longer scattered. No longer defenseless. No longer silent.

God bless the IDF. God bless the brave men and women of our security forces. And may God bless the Nation of Israel.

We will defend our people. We will defend our land.

And if necessary, we will strike first—so that our children won’t have to strike last.

Key Developments – June 13

 Israel–Iran Conflict Escalation | Operation “Am K’Lavi”

Trump: “Today is Day 61”

The President revealed he gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum for a deal. “They didn’t take it. Today’s the 61st day. Now they get a second chance.”

Drone War Expands

Multiple Iranian UAVs intercepted:

2 UAVs shot down in the north

Interceptions reported over Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea by an Israeli Sa’ar 6 navy vessel

Israeli Air Force continues targeted strikes deep inside Iran

Operation “Am K’Lavi” Declared a Preventive War

Cabinet Minister Orit Strock:

 “This is a war of necessity, not deterrence. A war to destroy Iran’s ability to harm us. Israel is no longer waiting for the next massacre.”

Revolutionary Guard Leaders Targeted

Fox News reports Israel engineered moves that caused Iranian IRGC air force leadership to gather — and kept them there — before striking.

France: “Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself”

President Macron reaffirms support for Israel’s self-defense, coordinating with regional leaders and EU allies to reduce escalation.

Iran’s Casualty Report

Official Iranian sources claim:

78 killed, 329 injured so far from Israeli strikes.

Iran denies drone retaliation, but vows real revenge “soon, through official channels.”

US-Israel Coordination

PM Netanyahu and President Trump expected to speak again today. Netanyahu is convening an emergency assessment with top military, Mossad, and Shin Bet officials.

Tensions Rise Globally

Germany, France, UK leaders in talks following the strikes.

Iran walks out of nuclear talks with the US.

Cabinet in Israel reportedly read the entire Book of Psalms during decision meeting.

Zera Shimshon Parshat Behaalotecha

 

Rabbinic leaders urge compliance and private prayer amid security crisis

 

Due to the security situation, Lithuanian yeshiva head Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch instructed that all educational institutions must fully comply with Home Front Command directives and cease all studies.

“One must adhere to the authorities' guidelines and not open educational institutions,” he stated, referring to all haredi educational institutions.

Early on Friday morning, prayer gatherings were held in major yeshivot, including Ponovezh, Hebron, and others, praying for the success of the operation against Iran and the safety of the people of Israel.

Earlier, Rabbi David Stav, Chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, instructed the public to pray alone this Shabbat (Sabbath) — without a minyan (qurom of ten men necessary for prayer).

“The people of Israel are in a state of emergency. We pray and strengthen the IDF soldiers and the leaders of the state in their fight to remove the existential threat from the State of Israel. This emergency obligates us all to fully obey Home Front Command instructions. If the restriction on gatherings remains in effect, it also applies to synagogue prayers. A minyan is a commendable practice, but saving lives overrides Shabbat,” he said.

He further added: “The radio should be left on the Gal Shaket station to receive updates if necessary. Do not turn on the television, radio, or surf the internet out of curiosity.”

Gal Shaked is a radio station that broadcasts only emergency messages, allowing those who observe the Sabbath and holidays to receive critical updates without additional news.

Trump Says That Iran Can Still Make a deal, but "several people in leadership will not be coming back," ;)

US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, explaining that Iran "just couldn't get" a deal "done."

"I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal," he wrote on his Truth Social social media platform. "I told them, in the strongest of words, to 'just do it,' but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done. I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come - And they know how to use it."

"Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse! There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end."

Trump added, "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!"

Trump spoke to Fox News' Bret Baier on Thursday night, commenting that he knew of the Israeli strikes in advance and that there were no surprises, but stressed the US was not involved militarily.

The President also expressed hope that Iran would still negotiate with the US.

"Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back," he said.

Asked about possible retaliation by Iran, Trump said, "We will defend Israel if necessary."

In a post on Truth Social, he reiterated his commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" the post read.

RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION: This is Wild!!! ...The Israeli Mossad created a weapons and drone manufacturing facility in the heart of Iran.Footage not seen every day: Mossad operatives Had a Drone Factory on Iranian soil:*

 

The Mossad’s operational commando unit was documented while deploying precision strike systems intended to target Iran’s air defense systems.

Mossad's commando unit was in Iran itself! 

An Israeli security source revealed dramatic new details on Friday morning regarding the extensive Israeli strike against strategic infrastructure deep within Iran. According to the source, the operation - codenamed “Am KeLavi” (literally "Lion's Might," but codenamed in English "Rising Lion") - was years in the making and executed through close cooperation between the IDF, the Mossad, and Israel’s defense industries.

In preparation for the operation, the IDF and Mossad worked side by side to assemble detailed intelligence dossiers on senior Iranian defense officials and nuclear scientists, enabling precise targeted assassinations. Concurrently, a covert campaign was launched to neutralize Iran’s strategic missile array through a combination of airstrikes and deep-cover operations on the ground.

According to the source, in recent years, the Mossad, in conjunction with the IDF and leveraging advanced technologies from Israel’s defense sector, carried out a series of covert sabotage missions within the heart of Iran. These actions directly degraded Iran’s air defense capabilities and strategic missile systems.

The covert campaign involved the activation of three distinct and complex operational systems:

1. Commando Teams Inside Iran:

Special Mossad units infiltrated central Iran and pre-positioned precision-guided weapon systems near Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries. As the Israeli Air Force launched its aerial assault, these systems were activated and launched precision strikes simultaneously, striking key targets with exceptional accuracy.

2. Vehicle-Based Strike Systems:

To further neutralize Iran’s air defense systems - which posed a threat to Israeli aircraft - the Mossad covertly deployed attack technologies embedded within civilian vehicles across Iran. When the operation commenced, these concealed platforms launched powerful munitions that destroyed their assigned targets: Iran’s air defense infrastructure.

3. Covert Drone Bases:

The Mossad established a secret base of explosive-laden drones, smuggled into Iran long before the strike. During the Israeli offensive, these drones were launched toward Iranian surface-to-surface missile launchers located at the Esfajabad base near Tehran - a strategic site posing one of the greatest threats to both Israeli military and civilian targets - and successfully destroyed them.

The senior source emphasized that the operation "required bold and sophisticated planning, groundbreaking strategic thinking, and intricate deception." He added: “This mission - made possible by accurate intelligence, cutting-edge technology, and the brave execution by operatives on the ground - delivered a painful blow to Iran’s strategic capabilities and a clear message: Israel will not allow its enemies to acquire weapons of mass destruction."

Iran Targeting Beit Shemesh?

 

Preliminary update: 

The IDF is evacuating communities near Beit Shemesh due to concerns over a possible Iranian strike on a sensitive military base. Troops have arrived in several areas and instructed residents to evacuate within minutes. The evacuation follows intelligence indicating a potential imminent attack.

Israel is serving the entire world — taking huge risks to stop Iran from going nuclear

 

Late last night the IDF began what it said would be several days of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program and associated assets.

Good for Israel, acting as it has before (the 1967 war, the takedown of Saddam Hussein’s nuclear program in 1981 and strikes on Syria in 2007) to preempt a clear existential threat to its continued existence.

No serious player on the world stage can honestly deny that Tehran has been on its final run gaining nuclear weapons, and while some will quibble about whether the regime intended to use nukes to destroy “the Little Satan” (as it has now called Israel for five decades), Jerusalem could hardly afford to take the chance.

Iran state media report the deaths of multiple top nuclear scientists, as well as of Gen. Hossein Salami, the chief of the Revolutionary Guards — the central force behind all Tehran’s expansionist ambitions.

Tehran will hit back hard, and the IDF can’t be remotely confident it will intercept every drone and missile as it has the last two times. Israel must expect to hurt, hoping that the pain is survivable and simply the necessary price for fending off extinction.

The rest of the Middle East, indeed the world, gets to free-ride on Israel’s bold self-defense: The IDF is moving to take out what would’ve been a menace to everyone else, including those foolish enough to think Iran is an ally.

President Trump did his best to avoid this, striving to negotiate the verifiable end of Iran’s nuclear quest. Tehran declined, betting it could beat the clock. Fact is, Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 terror assault on Israel and refusal to surrender as the Gaza war steadily destroyed the entire terror group, plus the attacks on Israel from Iran’s proxies across the region, should be seen largely as Tehran’s efforts to create a window for its final nuclear run.

Iran’s strategy failed; we can only pray that Israel’s strikes do everything they need to.

Some Friends ...Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, and Qatar Condemn Israel After Strike on Iran

 

Several Arab nations on Friday condemned Israel’s aerial assault on Iranian nuclear and military sites, warning that the operation risks inflaming tensions and undermining regional stability.

Saudi Arabia issued a formal denunciation of the attack, calling it a violation of international norms and Iranian sovereignty.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Oman, a key Gulf mediator in nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western powers, described the strike as a dangerous escalation.

“Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and principles of international law,” the Omani Foreign Ministry said. “The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action.”

While Jordan and Iraq did not issue formal condemnations as of Friday morning, both countries responded by closing their airspace. The aviation restrictions were cited as precautionary but widely interpreted as a signal of concern over potential regional fallout. Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority suspended flights over several provinces, and Jordan’s aviation authority cited “developments in the security situation.”

The Israeli operation, involving more than 200 aircraft according to regional military sources, reportedly targeted Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility and military installations in Esfahan and elsewhere. Iran’s government confirmed casualties and infrastructure damage, vowing retaliation.

The United Arab Emirates expressed “strong condemnation” over the Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The statement, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for “maximum restraint” and warned that escalation “poses a serious threat to regional stability.” The UAE stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and pursuing dialogue over confrontation.

Qatar  described the attack as a “blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty” and urging the international community to step in and prevent further escalation. The Qatari Foreign Ministry called for a return to calm and avoiding actions that could drag the region into war.

 

Satmar Rebbe to visit The Zionist Israel for 1st time in a decade .... Will He Stop off in Iran?

 

The Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, is set to arrive in Israel this week for his first visit in ten years.

The Rebbe will travel on a special charter flight, accompanied by thousands of Hasidim from the United States and other countries.

The visit will include several key events, such as the inauguration of a new girls' educational facility in Bnei Brak and a ceremony related to the construction of the Hasidic compound in Jerusalem.

The highlight of the trip will be a special Shabbat in Meron, where thousands of followers from Israel and abroad are expected to gather. Organizers have begun extensive preparations and have pre-booked over 80% of the available apartments and guesthouses in Meron to prevent price hikes and logistical disruptions.

In a letter to followers, organizers urged Hasidim not to make independent lodging arrangements and to leave all coordination to the official planning team.

Iranians in Shock While Netanyahu Visits Kotel

 

 "עם כלביא יקום וכארי  יתנשא"

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed a note in the Western Wall with the verse:

"The nation shall rise like a lion and lift itself like a young lion."

Prayers for the State of Israel, the IDF and the Hostages