Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion against the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear enrichment sites, ballistic missile procurement facilities, and targeted top military commanders, including the Hossein Salami, the top commander of the Revolutionary Guard.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation "a decisive moment in Israel's history," adding that the operation looked to "roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival."
In response to the broad and preemptive military operation against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been one of the staunches supporter of Israel's right to exist and defend itself, outlined that the U.S. was "not involved in strikes against Iran."
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel," stated Secretary Rubio.
Several Florida members of the Jewish Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives have expressed their support for Israel's military action against Iran.
Democratic Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, and Jared Moskowitz, all expressed their unwavering support for Israel and brought attention to the Iranian regime's history of funding terrorism against the U.S. and its allies.
"I stand firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself. Iran has long funded terror groups who killed Americans and has moved to develop nuclear weapons to aim at Israel. If Israel’s strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program, we’ll all be safer. The White House must ensure the safety of U.S. civilians, diplomats and military in the region and the U.S. must support Israel’s defense. We must always work closely with our allies to protect American interests," stated Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
"A regime that promises death to America and Israel can never be allowed to achieve nuclear capabilities. I support Israel’s right to defend itself from a nuclear Iran—an unacceptable end that would put Israel and our other allies in constant danger and undermine world stability," stated Rep. Moskowitz.
Other members of Congress, namely progressive Democrats Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, questioned Israel's decision to attack Iran, calling Netanyahu a "war criminal" and called for the defunding of Israel.
Rep, Tlaib stated, "The Israeli government bombing Iran is a dangerous escalation that could lead to regional war. War Criminal Netanyahu will do anything to maintain his grip on power. We cannot let him drag our country into a war with Iran. Our government must stop funding and supporting this rogue genocidal regime."
"Regardless of what Trump thinks, Israel knows America will do whatever they want and feels confident about their ability to get into war and have the American government back them up. Israel also knows they can always rely on getting America to protect and serve its needs. Everyone in America should prepare themselves to either see their tax dollars being spent on weapon supplies to Israel or be dragged into war with Iran if this escalates," added Rep. Omar.
The military operation in Iran appears to be part of the broader goal of eradicating Iran's Islamist reach in the region, including the ongoing targeting of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthies.
While Israel continues to hit military targets in Iran, an broad retaliatory response from Iran is expected.
