Israel launches unprecedented “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran’s nuclear facilities, with Prime Minister Netanyahu vowing that “Never Again is Now” as he prepares to explain the high-stakes mission in an exclusive Fox News interview.
At a Glance
- Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and senior nuclear scientists
- Netanyahu will provide his first interview since the operation began to Fox News anchor Bret Baier on “Special Report”
- The operation has reportedly killed nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists and struck facilities in Natanz
- Iran has retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities, raising fears of broader regional conflict
- Netanyahu directly addressed the Iranian people, stating Israel’s fight is with the regime, not with Iranian citizens
Israel’s Strategic Offensive Against Iran’s Nuclear Program
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized what he described as “one of the greatest military operations in history” with the launch of Operation Rising Lion against Iran. The military campaign specifically targets Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities, weaponization programs, and the ballistic missile infrastructure capable of delivering nuclear payloads to Israeli cities. Israeli forces have conducted precision strikes on nuclear facilities in Natanz and other key installations, representing Israel’s most direct confrontation with Iran’s nuclear ambitions to date. According to Israeli military sources, the operation has already eliminated nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear expertise.
The military operation comes after intelligence assessments indicated that Iran had produced enough enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons. Netanyahu emphasized this existential threat in his announcement of the operation, stating: “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.” Israel’s military has expanded its campaign beyond nuclear sites to include strikes on Tehran and Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, indicating a comprehensive approach to degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
Netanyahu to Explain Operation in Exclusive Fox News Interview
In what will be his first interview since launching the operation, Prime Minister Netanyahu will sit down with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on “Special Report” to provide insights into the military campaign’s objectives, progress, and strategic importance. The interview comes at a critical moment as Israel faces international scrutiny and Iranian retaliation.
Netanyahu is expected to outline the justification for the operation and address concerns about regional escalation as Israel simultaneously continues its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The Prime Minister’s appearance on American television also underscores the importance of U.S. support for Israel’s security initiatives.
“To the brave people of Iran, I have a message: Our fight is not with you. Our fight is with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years. I believe that the day of your liberation is near. When that happens, the great friendship between our two ancient peoples will flourish once again,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
The Fox News interview represents an opportunity for Netanyahu to communicate directly to the American public about the threat Iran poses not only to Israel but to regional stability and American interests. The timing of the interview suggests that Israel is preparing for a potentially extended campaign against Iran’s military infrastructure and is seeking to solidify international support for its actions. Netanyahu has already thanked President Trump for his leadership against Iran’s nuclear program, indicating continued strategic alignment between Israel and the United States on countering Iran.
Regional Implications and Iranian Response
Iran has already launched retaliatory ballistic missile attacks against Israeli cities, though Israeli defense systems have intercepted many of these projectiles. The exchange of fire between the two nations has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict that could potentially draw in other actors. Netanyahu has framed the operation as part of a larger campaign that has already produced political changes in Lebanon and Syria by targeting Iran’s proxies in those countries. The operation represents a significant escalation in Israel’s approach to dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions, moving beyond covert actions to direct military confrontation.
In his public statements, Netanyahu has invoked historical lessons about the dangers of failing to act against existential threats, drawing implicit parallels to the Holocaust with his declaration that “Never Again is Now.” This framing suggests that Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an imminent threat requiring immediate action rather than continued diplomacy. Netanyahu has also called for global resistance to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, warning about the potential for nuclear terrorism if Iran achieves nuclear weapons capability. President Trump has called for Iran to negotiate on its nuclear program following the Israeli strikes, indicating potential diplomatic pathways alongside military actions.
