The latest episode of The Ben Shapiro Show covers the recent Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and Israel's defensive response. Shapiro reports details on the scope of the surprise attacks orchestrated by Iran, and Israel's ability to intercept nearly all incoming threats.
The episode discusses the Biden administration's role in greenlighting a limited assault on Israel as a strategy to avoid escalation. It also examines the calls for Israel to retaliate against Iran, the prospects of various military options, and the importance of strong Israeli defense for U.S. interests in the region. Additionally, Shapiro explores the bipartisan push for additional U.S. aid to resupply Israel's defenses and hold Iran accountable for the attacks.
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Ben Shapiro reported that Israel faced a massive attack from Iran involving 300 cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. Israel's defense systems were able to intercept 99% of these threats, averting disaster.
Reports suggest the Biden administration allowed Iran's limited assault on Israel as a strategy to avoid further escalation, a move critiqued by figures like Rubio and Trump.
Shapiro relayed commentary implying the Biden administration urged Israel not to retaliate against the Iranian attack, drawing criticism for potentially failing to resolve the conflict effectively.
Lawmakers like Scalise, Graham, and Speaker Johnson indicated bipartisan efforts to provide additional military aid to resupply Israel's defenses and hold Iran accountable, though details remain undecided.
Shapiro underscored a strong Israeli defense serves US geopolitical interests by negating threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah while bolstering the Abraham Accords.
Gantz suggested Israel will choose the right time and method to respond. Possible options include strikes on Iranian targets like oil refineries or Natanz nuclear facilities, or preemptively targeting Hezbollah's missile threats - though concerns exist over deterrent effects and US support.
Shapiro indicated Israel's immediate focus is likely completing operations against Hamas strongholds in Gaza's Rafah before pursuing larger strategies like an accord with Saudi Arabia to counter Iran.
1-Page Summary
The complex dynamics between Iran and Israel have been the focus of international attention following recent events orchestrated by Iran, which have invited discussions about Israel's right to self-defense and the Biden administration's involvement.
Iran saw an opening with the Biden administration following Israel's engagement in Syria, which led to the demise of General Mohammad Reza Zayedi. Uncertain about the extent of a possible Israeli retaliation, Iran proceeded to direct a substantial offensive towards Israel.
Ben Shapiro reported that Israel was targeted with a barrage of 300 cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones orchestrated by Iran, with minor involvement from Yemen and limited activity from Hezbollah. Notable events included a "170 drone attack" and launches comprising "120 ballistic missiles and some 30 to 60 cruise missiles." Remarkably, Israel's comprehensive defense systems, including Arrow 3, Arrow 2, David's Sling, and Iron Dome, displayed an astounding 99% success rate in intercepting these threats, as highlighted by Shapiro and corroborated by CNN’s Clarissa Ward. The efficient Israeli defense resulted in the neutralization of almost all ordinance before reaching Israeli territory.
Reports suggest that the United States, under President Biden's leadership, tacitly authorized a limited military assault by Iran against Israel. This decision was communicated through Ankara after being advised of Iran's planned operation against Israel. The Biden administration's strategy, as critiqued by Shapiro and Senator Marco Rubio, seems to aim at avoiding a significan ...
Iranian Attacks on Israel and Israel's Defense
The discussions indicate a strong US interest in ensuring Israel's defense capabilities, with bipartisan efforts underway to possibly introduce legislation for additional aid.
Steve Scalise announced intentions to consider legislation to support Israel and hold Iran accountable for its attacks, reflecting a bipartisan push to ensure Israel's defense capabilities are robust. Lindsey Graham, sharing similar views, emphasizes the urgency of supporting Israel militarily. Speaker Johnson vows to take up aid to Israel in light of the recent drone attacks, reinforcing bipartisan pressure. While there is an understanding that the aid package should have been negotiated weeks earlier, decisions regarding the specifics of the aid—such as the amount, accountability measures, whether it should be a loan, and other details—remain undecided.
Republican figures, including Scalise and Graham, are proposing legislation to support Israel. The possibility of an Israel aid bill being brought forward is mentioned, though it is unclear if it would be tied to Ukraine funding. The discussion includes whether to pass the Senate-passed bill with expediency or to draft an Israel-only aid bill.
Despite the acknowledged need for urgent support, the timing and exact details of the aid to Israel have not been finalized. There are questions surrounding the nature of the aid, including potential ties to aid for Ukraine and whether Israel will receive assistance separately. This indicates a continuing debate over the most effective means of providing support.
Aid to Israel in response
Israel's strategic responses to potential threats include a choice of military actions against Iran or Hezbollah, as well as completing military operations in Gaza before engaging further diplomatically in the region.
Benny Gantz from Israel's war cabinet suggests Israel will choose the right timing and method to respond to Iran, though no immediate action has been specified. Israel has military assets ready, such as F-35s, F-16s, and F-15s, that can be used to perform strikes on key Iranian targets like oil refineries and the Natanz nuclear base, which would significantly impact Iran's economy and nuclear capabilities.
Shapiro adds that Israel could also preemptively target Hezbollah to the north, which threatens Israel with an arsenal of approximately 200,000 rockets. A major military action could involve destroying Hezbollah’s capabilities in response to the threats from Iran. However, there are concerns about whether the US would support such a direct engagement.
Shapiro indicates that Israel's immediate focus might be to conclude its military activities in the Gaza Strip. The city of Rafah, a known Hamas stronghold with four brigades of fighters, is highlighted as a potential target to be dealt with before Israel can move onto larger geopolitical strategies.
Prospects for Israeli retaliation
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