Remember that I wrote about Bibi back in November? As a reminder, you can reread it here. You can also read my review of his autobiography, Bibi, My Story, here.
I learned 2 very important things from the book. First, Bibi is Israeli all the way through and through. He is a patriot, he has been a soldier, and he is committed the survival and success of his country. Though he is a politician, I never believed that he put his political survival ahead of his nation’s interests.
Second, both he and his father before him have seen Iran as the primary and most important enemy for decades. No one should be surprised that he chose to use this most recent opportunity to attack Iran.
What opportunity? Several factors have made Iran weak and opened the way to pre-emptively attack to destroy their nuclear capabilities.
Donald Trump strongly supports Israel and gave Bibi the green light to proceed once the 60-day negotiating period expired. Israel attacked Iran on the 61st day.
Hezbollah and Hamas are weak. They have made their attacks, and they have failed. They cannot attack Israel to defend Iran as a response.
Syria is no longer an Iranian proxy, and neither is Lebanon. Neither state is interested in supporting Iran.
Though the “Arab street” will protest, none of the mainly Sunni Arab countries will lift a finger to help Iran. They will talk big but not act.
Finally, Israel’s previous direct attacks on Iran weakened their defenses, allowing Israeli aircraft free reign in Iranian skies.
This attack was not spur of the moment. It is clear that Israel has been planning for months, if not years. Not only were important targets identified, but Israel also moved assets into Iran, ready to join the attack when needed. Intelligence assets allowed them to directly strike at Iranian leaders and nuclear scientists. Altogether it was another example of Israel’s mastery of both open and clandestine modern warfare.
Please watch as the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, explains Israel’s actions. It is the best explanation that I have heard.
How to support Israel?
I fear for the people of Israel, but their cause is just and their actions necessary for their own survival. If I was a praying man, I would pray for them. Instead, I will send money to Mogen David Adom and the Jewish National Fund. I will send email to my cousins there and express my support (and sympathy). I will cross my fingers.
Jef Sneider
Syracuse, NY
June 14, 2025
Bravo Jef.