Why Israel Chose the Name 'Operation...' for Its Biggest Strike on Iran – Know the Bible Connection

On the night of June 12–13, Israel carried out its biggest airstrike on Iran, delivering a severe blow to the Shia Islamic nation. The strike was seen as a major humiliation for Tehran. Within the first day, Israel precisely targeted and eliminated top military commanders and key figures involved in Iran’s nuclear program. 'Operation Rising Lion' has a deep connection to the 'Bible'; it is a sacred book of the Jewish people.

Netanyahu Left a Prayer Note Before the Attack

Just hours before the operation began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem — a holy site for Jews — and placed a note between the stones. The note contained a line that served as spiritual motivation for the mission:

'Look, the people will rise up as a great lion and raise themselves up as a young lion.'

The Bible Reference

According to Israeli media outlet Ynet, this line is from the Book of Numbers, Chapter 23, Verse 24. It is part of a biblical prophecy made by Balaam, the son of Beor.

In the story from the Torah, the king of Moab, Balak, saw the Israelites journeying through the desert after fleeing Egypt. Fearing their strength, he called the prophet Balaam to curse them. However, God warned Balaam not to speak against the Israelites, as they were a blessed people.

Blessing Instead of a Curse

Balaam was only allowed to say what God told him. He encountered an angel on his way to Balak. Though Balak asked him multiple times to curse the Israelites, Balaam ended up blessing them instead. One of his blessings included the now-famous line:

“Behold, the people shall rise like a great lion…”