U.S.-Israel Unity Sends Bold Message to Adversaries

On June 13, 2025, the world watched as U.S. and Israeli forces executed Operation Rising Lion, a precision strike that dismantled Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, detailed in a July 9 Pentagon meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marked a pivotal moment in global security. American B-2 bombers and Israeli F-35 jets, supported by U.S. refuelers and THAAD defenses, delivered a clear message: threats to freedom will not stand unchecked.

The operation was a military maneuver and a bold stand for stability. The strike delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions by years, offering a window for diplomacy backed by resolve. For Americans, the operation underscores the value of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a democratic ally like Israel, whose security directly ties to U.S. interests in a volatile region.

Operation Rising Lion showcased unmatched coordination. U.S. Central Command, led by General Erik Kurilla, deployed missile defenses and strategic bombers, while Israeli pilots struck with surgical accuracy. Over one hundred Iranian targets were hit, with no significant retaliation from Tehran. This success echoes Israel's 1981 strike on Iraq's Osirak reactor, which halted Saddam Hussein's nuclear dreams without sparking wider conflict.

The absence of Iranian counterattacks in 2025 proves deterrence works when backed by action. Republican voters, with 78 percent supporting the operation per recent polls, see this as validation of a strong foreign policy that prioritizes results over rhetoric. For Israel, the strike reinforced its qualitative military edge, a cornerstone of U.S. aid since 1948.

At the Pentagon, Netanyahu and Hegseth emphasized a shared vision: peace through strength. President Trump's 60-day negotiation window gave Iran a chance to back down, but when diplomacy faltered, decisive force prevailed. This approach, rooted in historical successes like the 1973 Yom Kippur War airlift, ensures adversaries respect boundaries.

The operation's ripple effects extend beyond Iran. Gulf states, wary of Tehran's proxies, now see a reliable U.S.-Israel alliance. Energy markets, briefly rattled by oil prices hitting $110 per barrel, stabilized as confidence in regional security grew. This strength creates leverage for future talks, potentially bringing lasting stability to a turbulent region.

Supporting Israel is about moral alignment and protecting American interests. Iran's nuclear ambitions threaten not only Tel Aviv but also U.S. bases and allies across the Middle East. The strike's success, costing $1.8 billion in U.S. operations, preserved global energy routes and deterred aggression from powers like China and Russia, who closely monitor U.S. resolve.

Congress is now pushing the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, expanding war-reserve stockpiles and missile-defense funding. These steps ensure America's regional influence remains ironclad, countering any erosion of credibility that could embolden adversaries.

Despite the victory, risks remain. Iran could rebuild covert enrichment sites, and its proxies continue to stir unrest. Some in Congress advocate conditioning aid to Israel, a move that could weaken a vital ally at a critical juncture. Rising campus antisemitism in the U.S. also signals a need for stronger public support for the alliance.

To address these threats, increased foreign military financing and fast-tracking Israel's integration into the National Technology Industrial Base are vital steps for policymakers. Maximum-pressure sanctions on Iran are crucial to ensure Tehran faces consequences for any nuclear resurgence.

Operation Rising Lion proved that strength deters chaos. The U.S.-Israel alliance, forged through decades of shared values and mutual defense, stands as a beacon for democratic resilience. By neutralizing Iran's nuclear threat, the operation opened a path for diplomacy that prioritizes security and accountability.

Maintaining America's commitment to Israel through robust aid and joint innovation is crucial. A strong ally in the Middle East not only curbs aggression but also fosters conditions for peace. The strike's success reminds us that resolve, paired with action, shapes a safer world.

For every American, this moment underscores the need to back policies that uphold freedom and security. The roar of Rising Lion echoed globally, and its message is clear: when allies stand united, peace becomes possible.