Operation Am Kalavi: Israel’s Triumph Over existential threat and a Masterclass in Military Strategy

Matthew Narh Tetteh

In a mere twelve days, from June 13 to June 24, 2025, Israel, under the resolute leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, executed Operation Am Kalavi (Rising Lion), a military campaign that not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also showcased the unparalleled prowess of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This operation, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, stands as a testament to Israel’s military ingenuity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to its survival. The world watched in astonishment as a small nation decisively struck at the heart of what many consider the epicenter of global terror, delivering a blow that will be studied by militaries worldwide for decades to come.

The Context: A Dire Threat and a Bold Response

For years, Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its sponsorship of terrorist proxies, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, posed an existential threat to Israel and the broader region. By 2025, Iran’s nuclear program was reportedly on the verge of producing a nuclear weapon, a development that Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly warned could not be tolerated. The Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile capabilities and its network of proxies further amplified the danger, creating a multi-front challenge that demanded a decisive response.

Operation Am Kalavi was launched on June 13, 2025, as a direct counter to these threats. Named “Rising Lion,” the operation reflected Israel’s determination to assert its strength and protect its people. The campaign targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and key military leadership, including senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a speech to the Israeli people, Netanyahu declared that the operation aimed to eliminate “two immediate existential threats: the threat of annihilation by nuclear bombs and the threat of ballistic missiles.” His clarity of purpose and steadfast leadership galvanized the nation and set the stage for a historic victory.

Israel’s Military Prowess: Precision, Coordination, and Innovation

The success of Operation Am Kalavi lies in the IDF’s extraordinary military capabilities, which combined cutting-edge technology, meticulous planning, and seamless execution. The operation began with a series of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as well as military bases and missile complexes. These strikes were unprecedented in their precision, targeting the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear program while minimizing civilian casualties. The IDF’s ability to penetrate Iran’s air defenses and deliver pinpoint strikes demonstrated a level of sophistication that left military analysts worldwide in awe.

Israel’s success was not solely due to its air force, though its fleet of F-35 stealth fighters and advanced drones played a critical role. The operation showcased the IDF’s mastery of integrated warfare, combining cyber operations, electronic warfare, and real-time intelligence to disrupt Iran’s command-and-control systems. Reports indicate that Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout during the campaign, likely a result of Israeli cyberattacks aimed at crippling the regime’s ability to coordinate a response. This multi-dimensional approach ensured that Iran’s military was caught off guard, unable to mount an effective counteroffensive.

The operation also highlighted Israel’s ability to conduct high-risk, high-reward missions deep within enemy territory. The elimination of key IRGC figures, including Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Hossein Salami, dealt a severe blow to Iran’s military leadership. These targeted killings underscored the Mossad’s intelligence capabilities and the IDF’s ability to execute complex operations with surgical precision. The world’s militaries, from the United States to China, will undoubtedly study Israel’s tactics, seeking to replicate its ability to neutralize high-value targets while maintaining operational secrecy.

Netanyahu’s Steadfast Leadership: A Vision of Resolve

At the helm of this historic operation was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose unwavering resolve and strategic vision were pivotal to its success. Netanyahu’s leadership during Operation Am Kalavi was characterized by a rare combination of boldness and pragmatism. For years, he had warned the international community about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, often facing skepticism or opposition. Yet, when the moment came to act, Netanyahu did not hesitate. His decision to launch Operation Am Kalavi, despite the risks of regional escalation, demonstrated his commitment to Israel’s security above all else.

Netanyahu’s ability to rally international support, particularly from the United States, was a critical factor in the operation’s success. His close relationship with President Donald Trump, described as a partnership where both leaders were “on the same side of every issue,” ensured that Israel had the backing of a global superpower. The U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” complemented Israel’s efforts, creating a coordinated offensive that overwhelmed Iran’s defenses. Netanyahu’s diplomatic acumen in securing this alliance underscored his ability to navigate complex international dynamics while pursuing Israel’s interest

In his speeches to the Israeli people and the world, Netanyahu framed Operation Am Kalavi as a fight not just for Israel’s survival but for the freedom of the Iranian people. Addressing Iranians directly, he urged them to rise against their “oppressive regime,” invoking the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” This psychological warfare, aimed at weakening the Iranian regime’s grip on power, showcased Netanyahu’s understanding of the broader strategic implications of the operation. His ability to combine military action with a narrative of liberation added a layer of complexity that will be studied by political and military strategists alike.

A Global Astonishment: A Tiny Nation’s Triumph

The world watched Operation Am Kalavi with a mixture of shock and admiration. In just twelve days, Israel, a nation of fewer than 10 million people, delivered a decisive blow to Iran, a country with a population of over 80 million and a formidable military apparatus. The operation’s success was not only a military triumph but also a psychological one, shattering the myth of Iran’s invincibility and its so-called “Axis of Resistance.” By targeting the “head of the snake,” as Iran’s regime is often described, Israel disrupted the infrastructure that fueled terrorism across the region, from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza.

Military experts worldwide have already begun to dissect Operation Am Kalavi, recognizing it as a case study in modern warfare. The operation’s rapid execution, minimal collateral damage, and ability to achieve strategic objectives against a numerically superior adversary will be analyzed in war colleges from West Point to Sandhurst. Israel’s use of advanced technology, including AI-driven intelligence and cyber capabilities, sets a new standard for how small nations can project power against larger foes. The operation also demonstrated the importance of decisive leadership, as Netanyahu’s refusal to bow to international pressure allowed Israel to achieve its goals without compromise.

A Legacy for Generations

On June 24, 2025, Netanyahu addressed the Israeli nation, declaring, “In the twelve days of Operation Am Kalavi, we achieved a historic victory—one that will be remembered for generations.” This statement was not mere rhetoric; it encapsulated the magnitude of Israel’s achievement. By neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program and dismantling its military leadership, Israel not only secured its own future but also sent a powerful message to its adversaries: no threat to the Jewish state will go unanswered.

Operation Am Kalavi will be remembered as a turning point in the fight against global terror. It showcased Israel’s ability to act decisively, innovate relentlessly, and lead courageously in the face of existential threats. For Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was a crowning achievement in a career defined by his commitment to Israel’s security. For the world, it was a reminder that a small nation, driven by resolve and ingenuity, can achieve the impossible. As militaries and scholars study this operation in the years to come, they will find in Operation Am Kalavi a blueprint for how to confront and defeat the forces of terror with precision, strength, and unwavering determination.