79 Winter 2026 The scale and scope of Israel’s use of force during the Operation also met the proportionality requirement. The actions taken by Israel did not exceed what was necessary to neutralize the imminent and existential threat posed by the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons program, as well as to neutralize Iranian attacks during the Operation. Israel’s operations ceased once the imminent nuclear threat was judged to have been neutralized for the time being and the Operation’s objectives were achieved, with Israel’s agreement to the U.S. proposal for a bilateral ceasefire. Thus, Israel’s actions were necessary and proportionate to neutralize the imminent existential threat posed by the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons program. Therefore, Israel’s operations were in full accordance with the law governing the use of force, if one were to apply this legal framework assuming no ongoing armed conflict existed before the Operation's inception. The conformity of Operation "Rising Lion" with the law governing the use of force is especially apparent in light of the ongoing armed conflict with Iran (assuming, for the sake of argument, that Jus ad Bellum conditions continue to apply during an ongoing armed conflict in the first place). In particular, assessing the imminence of the threat emanating from Iran should take into account the broader context of its sustained hostile conduct during the ongoing armed conflict with Israel. Over the past several years, Iran has continuously and frequently directed armed attacks against Israel – both directly and indirectly, in particular through its substantial involvement in armed attacks by the various aforementioned armed groups. Thus, the persisting threat from Iran has stemmed not only from Iran’s nuclear weapons program, but also from the continuous armed attacks Iran has been conducting both directly and indirectly towards Israel throughout the years-long conflict. In this regard, it should be noted that parties to an armed conflict may attack various lawful military objectives of the adversary, independent of any imminence criterion. However, as explained above, even under a narrower scrutiny that would apply jus ad bellum conditions solely on Iran’s nuclear weapons program and ignoring the broader context of the armed conflict, Israel’s use of force remains legally justified. To conclude, Israel launched the Operation in accordance with international law, even if assessing the Operation on a stand-alone basis by the stringent conditions under the jus ad bellum of necessity and proportionality. This conclusion is only strengthened when the assessment accounts for the fact the Operation took place within the framework of an ongoing armed conflict. As explained above, Israel’s legal position is that assessment of the jus ad bellum conditions to use force is unnecessary in the first place. Operation ‘Rising Lion’, which took place in the context of the years-long ongoing armed conflict between Iran and Israel, ended on June 24, 2025, following Israel’s accepting a U.S. proposal for a mutual ceasefire. Israel achieved its stated aims, neutralizing for the time being the imminent, existential threat to Israel posed by the Iranian regime.53 However, the Iranian regime continues to wage armed conflict against Israel, including through various armed groups. Currently there is no indication that Iran will abandon its aim of destroying Israel, including by pursuing nuclear weapons. It continues to possess hundreds of ballistic missiles and is making efforts to produce many more. The regime continues to be the world’s biggest source and sponsor of global terror and is responsible for the deaths and suffering of thousands of Israeli and other nationals around the world for over 40 years. Israel will continue to defend its territory and citizens from the Iranian regime and its proxies, and to take every action to ensure the swift release of the hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. 53. Prime Minister of Israel, June 24, 2025: ‘We removed two existential threats: The threat of annihilation by nuclear weapons and the threat of annihilation by 20,000 ballistic missiles. Had we not acted now, the State of Israel would have soon faced the danger of annihilation.’ https://www.gov.il/en/pages/event-statement240625. The IDF Chief of Staff, June 26, 2025: “In 12 days, we operated with accuracy and met our goals. We struck deep into Iran setting back its nuclear program, its ballistic missile capabilities, and eliminating those who led the effort to destroy Israel.’ https://x. com/IDF/status/1938323322959499727.
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