Operation “Rising Lion” was described by the Israeli military as “the most complex operation in its history.” It marked a turning point in the Israel-Iran conflict. The operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, military bases, and senior Iranian leadership. A ceasefire was announced on June 24. Roughly two weeks after the operation’s end, the central question arises: Did Israel truly win?

Israel’s significant successes

Named after the biblical verse “Am K’Lavi Yakum” (Numbers 23:24 – “Behold, the people rises like a young lion and lifts itself like a lion”), the operation focused on three main objectives: dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, destroying its ballistic missile capabilities, and eliminating senior military and scientific figures. According to the Israeli military, the operation’s goals were fully achieved.

כך נראה אתר הגרעין באיצפהאן לאחר תקיפות מטוסי חיל-האוויר pic.twitter.com/NOajOxryKL

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 21, 2025

Damage to the nuclear program: Key nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow, were severely...

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