Where does the name ‘Rising Lion’ come from? Why did Israel choose it to attack Iran — and what does it mean?

Israel's military strikes on Iran, which were named Operation "Rising Lion”, were not just a random code name but could mean that the country was making a statement, as per a report.

The country attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military commanders on Friday, as per Reuters.

After the attack on Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," adding, "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," quoted Reuters.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Silent Signal

According to the report, Israel has named its military operation against Iran "Rising Lion" as it took the name from a biblical verse that vows for a victorious future for a powerful Israel.

Netanyahu's photograph on Thursday, of him putting a handwritten note into a crack of Jerusalem's Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, might have been an indication to the looming strikes on Iran, as analysed by Reuters.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office on Friday had released a photo of the note, which mentioned that, "the people shall rise up as a lion," according to the report.

The Meaning Of "Rising Lion"

The "Rising Lion" expression is taken from verse 23:24 of the Book of Numbers in the Bible, reported Reuters. The verse says, "Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain," as per the Reuters report.

According to the report, verse 23:24 is part of the first oracle of Balaam, who was a non-Israelite prophet and diviner. In the verse he foretold about the strength and power of Israel, comparing it to a lion that will not rest until it has satisfied its hunger, reported Reuters.

FAQs

What exactly did Israel target in Iran?
Israel's strikes focused on nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior Iranian military figures, according to reports.

Why is it called Operation Rising Lion?
Because the name is taken from a Bible verse, which symbolizing Israel’s strength and determination, comparing the nation to a lion rising for battle, as per Reuters report.