Is This Israel’s Modern Six-Day War?
Before the current operation, "Rising Lion," began last Friday, I felt we were in a period ominously like the lead-up to the 1967 Six-Day War. Of course, then, we didn't know that the war would only be six days or that it would end with the stunning and miraculous defeat of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. We did know that war was coming and potentially existential. Though I am too young to remember it, there was widespread tension across Israel as the Arab armies threatened to annihilate Israel.
We didn't know the massive intelligence gathered and military planning that helped Israel's pre-emptive attack: wiping out the Egyptian air force on the ground, taking control of all of Sinai up to the Suez Canal, Syria being pushed back from strategic positions threatening Israel on the Golan Heights, and Jordan, though advised not to enter the war, doing so and losing the "West Bank" of the Jordan River (Judea and Samaria) which they had illegally annexed, but also allowing the miraculous reunification of Jerusalem. All in six days.
As much as Israel was prepared, the situation was frightful. Expectations of tens of thousands of casualties were prepared for by turning public parks into places consecrated and reserved for new cemeteries. That alone would be enough to frighten many. There was a joke that the last Israeli to leave before the Arab attack began should remember to turn off the lights.
Operation 'Rising Lion' and Iran’s Nuclear Threat
Leading up to Israel's June 13 attack on Iran, it was hard not to feel a similar sense of looming danger. Even if we didn't believe the deliberate disinformation being floated, it felt like Iran was days away from acquiring a nuclear bomb and that the US was foolishly wasting time negotiating with the ayatollahs. The idea of an all-out war and the consequences of Israel going at it alone, with complete secrecy on the military and intelligence factors that had been planned and rehearsed for years, were alarming. It's now known that Israel anticipated thousands of Iranian missiles striking civilian targets, with as many as 4000 immediate casualties just in the aftermath of the attack. Refrigeration trucks were prepared to keep the bodies of the victims.
Looking Back to Look Ahead
In hindsight, I wonder in June 1967, Israelis had any sense on day 4 or 5 that the war was almost over. Was the euphoria of the widespread victories enough to let them mitigate the threats and fears that were very real? Did the euphoria make up for the losses?
For some, the lead-up to "Rising Lion" created a numbing effect, not allowing us to feel all the tension. It was as if we were in the forest looking at the trees, not able to see the whole picture, other than that a raging fire was about to be kindled not far away.
Just a few days in, with multiple air raid sirens daily warning of threats of incoming Iranian ballistic missiles (they're massive, and you can see me next to one of them), I was emotionally and physically spent. I was ready for it to be over. Seeing the massive successes, I wondered how much longer it would be and under what circumstances it would end. I am not alone. There are memes going around with a Moses-like character saying, "Let my people sleep."
A Call for Caution and Faith
But at the same time, with the history from 1967 in mind, I don't want things to end prematurely. Despite Israel's hope that the Six-Day War would lead to peace with the Arabs, recognizing that they couldn't defeat us, the Arab League rejected Israel's right to exist under the slogan, "No peace, no recognition, no negotiation." We cannot ever let things slip back to an Islamic regime threatening Israel's existence.
It's too soon to know what it's all going to mean, or when it will end. I realize that we have to take things day by day. We've passed the duration of the Six Day War, but the miracles have not stopped. Perspective is critical.
In 1967, Israel operated preemptively and was condemned. Also, in 1981, taking out the Iraqi Osirak nuclear reactor. Now, the world thanks us and recognizes the threat.
Now, so far, Israel's preemptive attack is being met with limited condemnation and almost no celebration. German Chancellor Merz was a mild noted exception this week, candidly stating that Israel is doing the world's dirty work. But at the same time, there are concerns that an ending will be forced, leaving the Islamic regime in place.
The Cost and the Call to Prayer
As of this writing, 400-5000 Israelis are homeless now, their homes destroyed. A hospital took a direct hit. Hundreds have been injured. Dozens killed. Trauma is widespread. But so are the miracles.
While years of collective intelligence, planning and execution of all these have taken place, it's impossible not to see the Hand of God.
Perhaps that's one reason why unlike in 1967 this war didn't end in Six Days, because through it God is showing His divine might against one of the world's most tyrannous regimes. Consequently, maybe their loss needs to be that much greater before he sets up His throne in Elam, modern Iran, as He promised in Jeremiah 49:38.
God showed His might with the Plagues in Egypt over months. Egypt was the world's superpower. Why did it take so long? For all of us to read about and internalize today?
Why was the Six-Day War so short? Maybe to force an Arab awakening to God?
Now, there are many global powers. Perhaps the most evil need this reckoning to be reminded that the path to their prosperity is standing with Israel.
I've lost count of those who have asked what they can do. My first answer is prayer. That's God's secret weapon. The Genesis 123 Foundation is accepting strategic donations to continue making the biggest impact with the greatest integrity and will be hosting a personal briefing on Saturday, June 21, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern about the ever-changing situation.
*The opinions in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Crosswalk Headlines.
Photo Courtesy: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/zabelin
Published Date: June 20, 2025
Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes regularly for a variety of prominent Christian and conservative websites and is the host of Inspiration from Zion, a popular webinar series and podcast. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com
Originally published June 20, 2025.
