Day 6: Will Two Lions Rise?

The war with Iran is deepening, and Israel is going all in. From Tehran to Isfahan, Israeli strikes are not just hitting infrastructure -  like the centrifuge facility, helicopters, or missile launchers. They’re hitting symbols of power. The regime's internal security headquarters (you know, the body that persecuted any resistance to the regime -  their KGB) is now destroyed. The IDF is even estimating that we could reach our war goals in the next two weeks.

And what are those? Well, officially, it's just to dismantle the nukes and their firing abilities to keep Israelis safe. But unofficially, it’s to help the Iranian people rise up against the Ayatollah. Tonight, unknown individuals hacked the national broadcast, calling on the citizens of Iran to go out into the streets -  and eagle-eyed observers may have noticed a little lion logo on the TV screen. That’s Israel’s branding for the war: Am Kelavi -  “a nation like a lion will rise.” But it’s also the lion symbol used by the Shah before his country was overthrown. Was this naming and logo a coincidence? Well, seeing the meticulous planning of every other detail of this war… I think not.

As Israel expands its operations, the Islamic Republic is doing everything it can to hold onto its dignity. They rushed to announce that they shot down one Israeli drone. And while yes, maybe that’s some sort of accomplishment, I’ll remind readers that they’ve fired 1,000 drones at us -  and zero have hit their targets. So sure, they can have this little win especially since the drone they downed didn’t even have any intelligence on it.

We know they’re panicking: trying to hide their uranium, trying to calm their people. Khamenei even addressed the nation. But seeing his little meltdown on X today… I’m not too convinced about their invincibility. One statement stood out in particular: “Iran is not important. Islam is.”
It’s important to remember that for them, this is a religious war. And it’s not so simple that they’ll just back down.

God, Is That You?

Which is why we’re still getting a random missile here and there. But they’re proving largely ineffective. We’ve had some mild injuries, and yes, there are reports we’re running low on interceptors. But I assure you -  we had anticipated a much higher rocket count. With all the planning that went into this, I’m almost certain the IDF didn’t miscount. There are a lot of fake reports going around right now, so keep your critical thinking hat on.

What isn’t fake? God’s protection of us.
Tonight marks the 23rd of Sivan, the date in the Purim story when Jews in Persia were permitted to defend themselves. And here we are again. But this time, the miracles aren’t hidden. They’re obvious.

Speaking of miracles: the first missile strike in Bat Yam left 1,500 people homeless. That was one missile. Can you imagine if they had managed to fire 10,000 effectively? We are overwhelmed by the 24 casualties and the images of destruction from Tel Aviv, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. Miracles. I tell you.

All Eyes on Bibi

And then there’s the U.S. with all eyes now on Washington. Earlier today, President Trump reiterated that he expects Iran’s full surrender but declined to say how the U.S. military might get involved. He confirmed that Iran reached out with an offer to restart negotiations and he rejected it outright. Its too late for that. 

As for his critics claiming betrayal of U.S. interests? Once again, the loudest voices are the smallest groups. The reality? 65% of his voter base supports intervention and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. So will he join? Well Trump needs a win. And the chances of this failing now are unlikely. And while Bibi won’t give up the glory of this incredible operation, he’s open to letting Trump help finish the job. We will know soon. Things are changing, and its due to Bibi's phenomenal work. The entire Middle East is watching in awe and we are heading towards real peace here. Can you imagine? In a few months a peace deal with Iran might even be on the cards.

Is That Normalcy I Smell?

Life in Israel is slowly returning to normal, for those checking in on me. It’s amazing how quickly we adjust to sirens and restrictions. The COVID-like energy is starting to lift. Pikud HaOref eased restrictions this afternoon, and the first emergency flights have begun. Starting Friday, flights out of Israel will be available to foreigners. Birthright got thousands of students out by boat. It’s amazing how quickly we get used to war in this country.

It’s this ability to live with duality that makes us such a resilient nation.

But some things never get easier. Still no update on the hostages as the war in Gaza continues. Sadly, we lost another soldier today: Stav Halfon, 20 years old. May his memory be a revolution.

Hamas fired another rocket today. Still no update on the hostages.

There are many other small things happening right now, but I must run to an interview with Sky News. I would stay up afterward to write more, but I might just capitalize on Iran’s weakness and get a few precious hours of sleep.

Stay safe, stay sane.
Meira