Fact Check: On June 13, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a surprise attack on Iran to end Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, which he described as an existential threat to Israel.

Fact Check: "On June 13, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a surprise attack on Iran to end Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, which he described as an existential threat to Israel."

What We Know

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a significant military operation against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and military leadership. This operation was described as a surprise attack, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly stated that the action was taken to counter what he termed an "existential threat" posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions (AP News). Netanyahu has consistently identified Iran as Israel's greatest threat, citing its nuclear program and support for anti-Israel groups as key concerns (Reuters). The attack was part of a broader context of escalating tensions between the two nations, which have been characterized by a long history of hostility and covert operations (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Netanyahu ordered a surprise attack on Iran on June 13, 2025, is supported by multiple reputable sources. For instance, in a video statement following the attack, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had targeted Iran's main nuclear facilities, framing the operation as a necessary measure to protect Israeli security (New York Times). Furthermore, the operation, referred to as "Operation Rising Lion," was reported to have caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials (Wikipedia).

The credibility of these sources is generally high, as they include established news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and CNN, all of which have a track record of accurate reporting on international affairs. However, it is important to note that the framing of events can vary between sources, with some emphasizing the existential threat narrative more strongly than others. For example, while Netanyahu's statements are often presented in a context that highlights the urgency of the threat from Iran, other analyses might explore the geopolitical implications of such military actions and the potential for escalation (Washington Post).

Conclusion

The evidence supports the claim that on June 13, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a surprise attack on Iran, citing the country's nuclear ambitions as an existential threat to Israel. The coordinated military operation targeted critical infrastructure and was characterized by Netanyahu as a necessary action in response to Iran's perceived threats. Given the corroboration from multiple reliable sources and the context of ongoing tensions, the verdict is True.

Sources

1. Live Updates: Israeli Strikes Target Iran's Nuclear Program
2. Israeli resilience tested as Iranian missile strikes hit home
3. Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel ...
4. Israel and Iran have been on collision course for years over nuclear ...
5. June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran
6. Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
7. Israel hits Iran's nuclear program and military leadership in ...