It’s been a difficult couple of weeks — well, twelve days to be precise — and Israelis have spent much of that time confined to bomb shelters. It’s also been a very hard couple of years overall, and in many ways, the war is not yet over. There are still 50 hostages in Gaza, and we’ve just lost more young soldiers there. It is quieter now, and for the moment, Israel can be relatively confident that no more bombs are heading our way.
As we reflect on the aftermath of the “Rising Lion War” and Operation Narnia, Israel has been pummelled in ways not seen since the invention of the Iron Dome. And yet, we may now be entering a season of peace unlike any we’ve known before. As President Trump might put it, Iran and all its proxies have been “de-neutered.” A trail of destruction lies in the wake of this war — but is there light at the end of the tunnel?
The Aftermath: Looking Back at What Happened
In just 12 days of war with Iran — a war within a war — 28 lives were lost, all but one of whom were civilians. Over 3,230 people were hospitalised, and more than 15,000 were made homeless. The toll on Israel’s infrastructure has been severe, but the real miracle — indeed, multiple miracles — is that fewer than 30 lives were lost, considering the immense firepower raining down on Israel day after day.
Iran fired 568 ballistic missiles at Israel, yet around 90% were intercepted. Israel’s defence systems — the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling — each cost millions, and resources are not unlimited. Tragically, 61 missiles struck their targets — nearly all of them civilian, including residential areas and a hospital.
Many of Iran’s missiles weighed over a tonne and were the size of a bus — 30 to 60 feet long — hurtling toward Israel at 1,000 km/h.
Meanwhile, more than 400 Israeli strikes hit approximately 100 targets across Iran, destroying nuclear facilities and decimating IRGC forces. The IDF eliminated over 30 key leaders and nuclear scientists in an operation codenamed “Operation Narnia.”
“We removed two existential threats,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. “The threat of annihilation by nuclear weapons and the threat of annihilation by 20,000 ballistic missiles.”
Explaining the urgency, he continued, “Had we not acted now, the State of Israel would soon have faced the danger of annihilation… But this did not happen because at the decisive moment, we rose up and stood like lions. Our roar shook Tehran and echoed around the world.”
Crushing the Head of the Octopus
Shortly before his death, Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani said:
“I have assembled for you six armies outside Iran and created a corridor 1,500 km long and 1,000 km wide, all the way to the Mediterranean.”
Those six armies were Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Islamic Jihad, Assad’s regime in Syria, and Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Units.
Since 7 October, Israel has systematically dismantled the military capabilities of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank. The Assad regime collapsed independently, and only the Houthis and Iraqi militias remain capable of fighting. With the firepower and air defences of these proxies now significantly reduced, defeating Iran has become increasingly plausible.
Israel also took the opportunity to dismantle Iran’s own air defences in response to previous missile barrages. The way was clear.
“At 4:30 AM on Friday, 13 June, without warning and without visible operators, Mossad’s pre-assembled missiles came alive. Iranian air defences — and the sense of security that came with them — were erased in seconds… Within 15 minutes, Iran’s top military brass and nuclear scientists were assassinated, most in their homes or offices. Next came a wave of precision strikes on rockets, air defences, and military units. Within hours, Israel achieved what most armies require years to accomplish.”
(Amir Mizroch, Israel Tech Insider)
Operation Narnia gained Israel control of Iranian airspace within hours. Key scientists and IRGC leaders were neutralised. Basij militia bases were destroyed. The infamous doomsday clock declaring the end of Israel was obliterated. Doors were blown off the notorious Evin Prison — long a site of torture for Christians and dissidents. The ground is now ripe for revolution.
We’ve seen bravery, strategy, intelligence, and precision — but ultimately, this victory belongs to God. Thank you for your prayers — He has protected us in extraordinary ways.
The Lion Has Roared
Since 7 October 2023, Israel has suffered 1,922 casualties (872 soldiers and 1,050 civilians), and 28,747 people have been injured. More than 143,000 have been evacuated from their homes — many never to return.
Over 37,000 missiles, rockets, and drones have been launched against Israel from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. There have been 9,096 terror attacks, including shootings, car rammings, and stone-throwing incidents in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem. Many were thwarted.
Importantly, 50 hostages remain in Gaza — 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Has the Nuclear Threat Really Gone?
CNN reported that “someone in the Pentagon” doubted the nuclear facilities had been destroyed. This claim was quickly echoed by the BBC and others, but the White House later categorically refuted it, calling the claims “fake news.”
President Trump declared:
“It was obliteration… I believe they didn’t have a chance to get anything out because we acted fast.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth added:
“It was a flawless mission… devastation under Fordow. The missiles landed precisely where intended.”
Sceptics also doubted Israel’s past attacks on nuclear facilities in Iraq and Syria, claiming they would only delay things by months — but history has proven otherwise. It’s highly likely Operation Narnia will be no different.
Prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the Shah, said:
“This is our Berlin Wall moment. The regime is collapsing. The people are united. And I am here — not for power, but to serve.”
Only God knows what’s next — but we are earnestly praying for regime change and freedom for the Iranian people.
Operation Narnia: Aslan Is on the Move
For now, the “ring of fire” around Israel described in Psalm 83 has been largely extinguished, though the ashes still smoulder. The hostages remain in Hamas tunnels, and young soldiers continue to give their lives in Gaza.
Biblical prophecy reminds us that Israel’s troubles are not yet over. Ezekiel 38–39 describes an outer ring of enemies — likely including Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China — attacking from the north. But first, Scripture foretells a time of peace:
“On that day when my people Israel are living securely, will you not take notice of it?”
(Ezekiel 38:14)
We must approach these prophecies with humility, but it does appear there may be a window of peace before another great northern conflict.
The Abraham Accords may soon expand to include Saudi Arabia. A new agreement could bring hope for the hostages. If Iran’s regime falls, we may even see the Cyrus Accords come to pass — allowing Iranian believers to visit Israel.
Muslim-background believers from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iran, and beyond may come to worship with us here in the Holy Land. And we may be able to go to them. This could be a season of good news.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
(Isaiah 52:7)
With our blessings,
Shmuel and Pamela Suran.
