OPINION:

Israel leveled Iranian nuclear ambitions on Thursday evening. Waves of airstrikes apparently left the Natanz Nuclear Facility a smoldering ruin while simultaneously taking out the regime’s top scientists and military leaders. President Trump had warned the Islamic Republic’s commanders to take a deal to avoid this fate.

“I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, by far, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come — And they know how to use it,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Last month, the usual suspects in the congressional Islamic extremist fan club were doing their best to protect Iran and its proxies, like Hamas, by taking away that equipment. Democratic Reps. Delia Ramirez of Illinois, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and several others joined in introducing the Block the Bombs Act.

The measure would “withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel and demand Israel’s compliance with U.S. and international law.” In short, it’s a bill to get Israel to quit defending itself, highlighting what’s happening in Gaza as justification.

“For the last year and a half, [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has laid siege to Gaza, killing at least 54,000 people, repeatedly displacing the entire population, and cutting off access to desperately needed humanitarian aid,” Mr. Pocan says in his news release.

Citing the dubious casualty figures from the Gaza Health Ministry is “like quoting a fox in a henhouse,” according to the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis’ Sean Durns. It’s also a distraction from what’s happening.

Israel didn’t just start indiscriminately bombing 18 months ago. The campaign to rid Gaza of its terrorist infrastructure began in direct response to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 others. In its efforts to defend itself and its people, Israel has lost nearly 900 soldiers so far. 

Hamas planned that brutal sneak attack from Gaza, where it still has hundreds of miles of secret underground tunnels that conceal transportation, weapons manufacturing and command centers. This terrorist organization also sets up shop in hospitals and schools, knowing Israeli raids would risk collateral damage.

Hamas wants that damage, as it creates a cause of action for kaffiyeh-wearing 20-something protesters. It even inspired erstwhile climate change crusader Greta Thunberg’s recent attempt to sail a “selfie yacht” of supplies to Gaza.

Israel uses the weaponry it purchases from the United States to protect itself from the hostile surrounding nations that would rather see the Jewish state wiped off the map. These decisive moves are the only thing keeping freedom and democracy alive in an otherwise largely authoritarian and violent region.

Israel can’t afford to move second in this game, which is why Mr. Netanyahu decided Iran’s nuclear sites had to go. This opening salvo relieves the United States from the responsibility of dealing with the prospect of Iran distributing atomic weapons to its terrorist allies throughout the world.

While this takes an enormous load off the shoulders of America, it also enhances the likelihood of reprisals and broader conflict. It’s a good thing Mr. Trump, and not the congressional surrender caucus, will be navigating the potentially troubling times ahead.