In a bold and highly coordinated offensive, Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure in one of the most significant covert attacks in recent history. Led by Israel’s spy agency Mossad, alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and top defense industries, the strike involved precision drone attacks and airstrikes on key Iranian installations. The operation represents a major escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and showcases Israel’s growing intelligence reach deep inside Iranian territory
According to reports, the operation was based on years of strategic planning, deep intelligence gathering, and the early deployment of covert capabilities within Iran. Notably, Mossad operatives had established secret drone bases near Tehran well in advance, using the cover to launch suicide drones and precision-guided strikes.
Precision Strikes and High-Profile Targets
The drones were activated during the night and directed at ground-to-ground missile launchers at Iran’s Espajabad base, a key strategic site viewed by Israel as a direct threat. Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes launched a high-impact airstrike on the Natanz nuclear facility, one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites.
Perhaps most significantly, Israel’s operations have increasingly reached into Iranian territory itself. From sabotaging nuclear plants to assassinating top Iranian scientists and commanders, including a high-ranking general, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, the head of the Iranian Air Force, these missions underline Israel’s shift in doctrine. Iran, however, claimed 80 civilians were also killed in the onslaught.
Security experts say Israel is now embracing what’s known as the “Octopus Doctrine.” Instead of merely striking the outer limbs—proxy militias and affiliates—Israel is going straight for the head: Iran’s core infrastructure and leadership.
Mossad’s Deep Operations in Iran
This latest operation comes amid renewed scrutiny of Mossad’s capabilities. The Israeli intelligence agency, which faced criticism after being caught off-guard during Hamas’s sudden October 7 attack, appears to have recalibrated its operations with renewed aggression and reach. Channel 12 reported that Mossad had recently set up multiple forward bases inside Iran, housing explosive drones and precision missiles, poised for remote activation.
Hezbollah and the Pager Plot
Meanwhile, a separate yet related explosion rocked Lebanon, where thousands of pagers detonated simultaneously, leaving hundreds wounded, including Hezbollah fighters, medics, and civilians. At least 200 were reported to be in critical condition.
Hezbollah called the incident “the biggest security breach in a year,” directly blaming Israel. A senior Hezbollah official said, “The enemy stands behind this incident targeting the devices,” though offered no further evidence.
Reports emerged claiming that Mossad was behind the pager explosions. Allegedly, the agency planted explosives in 5,000 pagers imported by Hezbollah earlier this year. The devices were rigged to respond to a coded signal, triggering 3,000 simultaneous detonations in a long-planned covert plot.
Strategic Shift and Regional Ramifications
The scale and precision of the operation signal a new phase in Israel’s covert warfare strategy, emphasizing preemptive disruption of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. At the same time, the attacks have intensified the risk of a broader conflict, as both Iran and Hezbollah vow retaliation.
Israel’s move shows its willingness to strike first and deep, reshaping the dynamics of deterrence in the Middle East.
Dismantling the “Axis of Resistance”
Over the past 18 months, Israel has systematically targeted what Tehran and its allies call the “Axis of Resistance” — a network of proxy groups and factions aligned against Israel and backed by Iran. The results have been sweeping:
Hamas (Gaza): Israeli forces conducted a sustained campaign in Gaza aimed not just at degrading military capabilities but eliminating Hamas’s political and military leadership. Multiple high-value figures, including top commanders, were reportedly killed in precision airstrikes. Intelligence operations, likely involving deep assets and surveillance, allowed for near real-time targeting of underground networks.
Hezbollah (Lebanon): In the north, Israel escalated from sporadic border clashes to targeted assassinations of Hezbollah field commanders and operatives. These included strikes deep within southern Lebanon, as well as covert operations targeting weapons shipments from Syria.
Houthis (Yemen): While U.S. forces have led direct military action against the Houthis for attacks in the Red Sea, Israeli intelligence is believed to have provided critical targeting and satellite surveillance data. The Houthis — increasingly aligned with Iran’s regional goals — have suffered a significant reduction in their long-range strike capacity.
Syria: After regime change in Syria, Israel struck airbases, weapons convoys, and even senior IRGC officers in Syria. These strikes have grown bolder and more frequent.
Iran : Perhaps most notably, Israel has reportedly carried out multiple operations within Iran itself. These include cyberattacks, sabotage of nuclear facilities, and even high-profile assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and IRGC officers. The Mossad’s long-standing capabilities inside Iran — cultivated through human assets, dissident groups, and cyberwarfare — appear more active and effective than ever.
Strategic Objectives and Doctrinal Shift
What we are witnessing may be the implementation of what Israeli strategists refer to as the “Octopus Doctrine”: rather than simply fighting the proxy “tentacles,” Israel is increasingly striking at the “head” — Iran itself.
Mossad’s return to center stage reflects this shift. As Israel’s foreign intelligence service, it is uniquely positioned to conduct operations outside the country’s borders, including: Assassinations of key enemies, Sabotage of nuclear or military infrastructure, Cyberattacks targeting critical systems, Recruitment and management of assets within hostile regimes.
This strategy has not only been militarily effective but also psychologically powerful. Mossad’s reassertion of reach and capability has changed the regional calculus — sending a message to both enemies and allies that Israel is willing and able to act preemptively.
