Israeli Defense Forces launch 'Operation Rising Lion', causing substantial harm to key Iranian nuclear facilities
The Lowdown on Operation Rising Lion: Israel's 12-day Battle with Iran
Over the past eight days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been in the heart of Iran, launching a historically significant military offensive they call Operation Rising Lion. This operation targeted Iran's main nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—dealing a severe blow to the Iranian regime's nuclear infrastructure.
This bold move was prompted by the IDF's determination to thwart the future of Iranian nuclear and missile projects. They claimed these projects aimed to destroy the State of Israel, following the identification of progress in these programs.
The operation saw the elimination of 11 senior nuclear scientists, central to the Iranian weapons group, and the attack on the inactive nuclear reactor at Arak to prevent its future use. Moreover, over 35 sites were attacked, 200 launchers, and 50% of all Iranian launchers were destroyed. In total, 1,500 components, 15 enemy aircraft, more than 90 targets, 80 surface-to-air missile launchers, and 6 airfields were attacked, according to IDF statements.
The operation was a testament to Israel's military prowess, with the IDF managing to create increasing achievement and complete freedom of aerial action in the heart of Iran. During the operation, the airforce carried out 1,500 sorties and about 600 refuellings were made en route to Iran. Strikes were carried out on Mashhad airport, 2,400 km away from Israel, by a fighter jet.
Following theOperation Rising Lion, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal with Iran, marking the end of 12 days of intense hostilities between the two regional rivals. In an official statement, Netanyahu declared that Israel had not only met all strategic goals of the military campaign but had exceeded expectations.
Operation Rising Lion was years in the making, involving both overt and covert elements. Israel leveraged its conventional superiority, particularly in intelligence, surprise, and air/missile defense. Mossad inserted commando teams and weapons into Iran, enabling remote missile launches and coordinated drone attacks ahead of the main aerial assault. These covert actions targeted air defenses and ballistic missile launchers to reduce Iran's retaliation capability.
The impact of Operation Rising Lion is widespread, affecting both Iran and Israel. In Iran, the operation severely disrupted their nuclear and missile programs and revealed internal vulnerabilities and the regime's fragility. On the other hand, Israel showcased its conventional and intelligence superiority, highlighting the effectiveness of its air and missile defense systems.
The operation further escalated regional tensions, with Iran retaliating by firing missile salvos at Israel, resulting in casualties and civilian harm. The collapse of diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Iran and the open nature of the conflict marked a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, indicating a shift from shadow warfare to open confrontation.
In summary, Operation Rising Lion represents a significant moment in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with Israel and Iran engaged in large-scale, overt military confrontation for the first time. The operation's long-term effects remain uncertain, with ongoing risks of further escalation and retaliation.
The political implications of Operation Rising Lion extend beyond war-and-conflicts, as it has fueled general news discourse on the Middle East's geopolitical shifts, with the open confrontation between Israel and Iran signaling a departure from shadow warfare. This event, marked by overt military hostilities, has raised concerns about the long-term effects and potential for further escalation in the region's ongoing conflicts.
