By Jewish Digital Times Staff | June 13, 2025
In a massive escalation overnight, Israel deployed approximately 200 fighter jets in Operation Rising Lion, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military leaders—including Gen. Hossein Salami, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, and Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh—as well as multiple top nuclear scientists.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the strikes as a preemptive operation aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. The combination of airstrikes and covert sabotage operations inside Iran further weakened their air-defense systems.
🛡️ Iranian Retaliation
In response, Iran launched over 100 drones and missiles toward Israeli territory. Israel’s multi-layered air defense, including Iron Dome and Arrow systems, intercepted the majority of these threats. Cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv sounded air-raid sirens, and residents were urged to seek immediate shelter.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, decried the strikes as a declaration of war, promising “harsh retaliation,” which is now being awaited with tense international apprehension.
📰 For earlier context and details on related covert operations, see our previous article: Israel Smuggled Drones & Weapons into Iran Ahead of Strikes
🔗 Further Reading
- AP News: What to know about Israel’s major attack on Iran
- AP News: Israel’s attack on Iran was years in the making
- The Guardian: What has Israel hit in Iran and who were the generals killed?
📣 Stay Connected
- 📘 Jewish Bulletin Online – Facebook Page
- 📺 Jewish Bulletin TV – YouTube Channel
- 📱 Jewish Bulletin Community Hub on WhatsApp
- 📘 Jewish Bulletin Online Network – Facebook Group
✍️ Contribute to Jewish Digital Times
Have a story, eyewitness account, or important insight? Help shape the Jewish conversation globally.
Click here to submit your news or story to Jewish Digital Times.
- 📰 Report community news, cultural experiences, or global events
- 🎥 Upload your images, video clips, or firsthand documentation
- 🌍 Reach thousands of engaged readers across the Jewish world
🌍 Global-Local Platform for Jewish News, Chesed, and Community Exchange
🔹 Powered by JewishBulletin.online
🔹 Post classifieds, jobs, events, announcements, or questions
🔹 Discover Jewish news, causes, resources, and opportunities
🔹 Connect with Jews worldwide — support, share, and grow together
This is your space to be visible, heard, and valued in a vibrant, respectful Jewish network.
🌍 Chesed Without Borders: Join the Global Kindness Movement
Discover urgent donation campaigns, inspiring success stories, and meaningful ways to support Jewish communities in need worldwide.
🕊️ Need help or want to start a campaign? You can submit your request right on the site.
