Israel’s resolve in dealing with the looming threat of Iran’s nuclear ambitions has reached a critical turning point. For two decades, concerns over feasibility and retaliation held back preemptive military action. But those days are over, and the evidence is in the smoldering remains of Iran’s once-vaunted air defense systems. The message is clear: Israel now has the capability and the opportunity to neutralize the greatest existential threat it has faced in modern times.
The first concern was always tactical—could the Israeli Air Force actually reach Iran, overcome its Russian-built air defenses, and penetrate its deeply buried nuclear sites? Recent operations have left no doubt. In October, over 100 Israeli Air Force aircraft, including the cutting-edge F-35I, flew thousands of kilometers into Iran and obliterated more than 20 strategic targets. These included missile and drone production facilities and three of Iran’s S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. What was once a fortress is now an open door. Israel’s precision strikes and overwhelming firepower have decimated Iran’s ability to repel future attacks, effectively giving Israeli forces dominance in Iranian airspace.
The second concern was retaliation. Iran’s proxies—Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Assad regime in Syria—once served as Tehran’s sword and shield, capable of raining down thousands of missiles on Israel in the event of an attack. But that threat has been systematically dismantled. Hezbollah’s arsenal has been decimated, Hamas is reeling after its failed October assault, and Assad’s regime has been reduced to rubble. Even Iran’s own ballistic missile threats have been blunted by the impressive defensive capabilities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and U.S. Central Command, which intercepted nearly every missile launched in Iran’s April and October attacks.
Iran is now weak, isolated, and vulnerable. Its allies have been neutralized, its defenses obliterated, and its proxies left in shambles. Israel, either alone or in coordination with the United States, has a rare opportunity to eliminate the nuclear threat that has loomed for decades. The time for hesitation has passed. If Iran is allowed to rebuild, it will not only fortify its defenses but also take the final steps toward achieving nuclear capability—a nightmare scenario that no one can afford.
The Democrats, of course, will wring their hands, call for “diplomacy,” and worry about offending Tehran. These are the same people who thought pallets of cash to Iran would buy peace. How’d that work out? Conservatives know that the only language regimes like Iran understand is strength. Israel’s proactive strategy embodies the very principle of peace through strength—a doctrine the left always mocks until they need it.
If there’s ever been a time to act decisively, it’s now. Israel is showing the world what leadership looks like, and it’s time for the United States to stand shoulder to shoulder with its most steadfast ally. This isn’t just about Israel; it’s about ensuring that rogue regimes understand that their threats will not be tolerated. Conservatives understand this truth, even if the left remains willfully blind to it.
