To pull off the most ambitious and sophisticated attack in the long history of antagonism between the Middle East's preeminent powers, covert Israeli agents set up a drone base deep inside Iranian territory. They recruited disaffected Iranians to aid their cause. They smuggled weapons systems across enemy lines. These are among the espionage tactics that allowed Israel to conduct its surprise attack on Iran last night, simultaneously eroding Tehran's defenses and limiting its capacity to retaliate as Israeli forces picked off senior commanders and struck sensitive nuclear sites. The operation, termed 'Rising Lion,' signals a new phase in Israel's efforts to transform extensive intelligence gathering into decisive military campaigns intended to outmaneuver its enemies throughout the Middle East. In recent years, Israel has used intelligence to assassinate top Iranian military officers and nuclear scientists, as well as the leaders of Iran-backed militias. Israel has also targeted...
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