Israel hits Iran's Natanz facility in major operation; NYPD boosts Jewish site security amid retaliation fears.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that Israeli forces struck the Natanz nuclear facility, a key site in Iran’s weapons program, marking a major escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two countries. The operation, described as targeting the core of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, comes after what Netanyahu called unprecedented steps by Tehran to weaponize enriched uranium.

“Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs,” Netanyahu stated. “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”

Officials confirmed that Israel targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz and leading nuclear scientists associated with the country’s weapons program. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, particularly regarding Iran’s deep underground structures reportedly built to protect nuclear assets. Satellite imagery had previously suggested the construction of secure tunnels beneath Natanz following an explosion in 2020.

Retaliation and Escalation

In immediate retaliation, Iran launched approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory. The Israeli Defense Forces began intercepting the drones shortly after the strikes. Unverified reports also indicated that Iran’s Parchin military complex, which houses nuclear weapons research facilities, may have been targeted again following significant damage in a previous operation.

Netanyahu warned of broader consequences, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear ambitions could result in weapons being handed to terrorist proxies. “We will not let the world's most dangerous regime get the world's most dangerous weapons,” he said. “The increasing range of Iran's ballistic missiles would bring that nuclear nightmare to the cities of Europe, and eventually to America.”

Global Security Response

Amid fears of escalating conflict, the New York Police Department (NYPD) ramped up security across Jewish and Israeli sites in New York City. “Out of an abundance of caution, we're deploying additional resources to Jewish, Israeli and other sites throughout NYC,” the department stated.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Unit is closely monitoring the international situation. “We are increasing security at houses of worship and at Israeli diplomatic sites,” Adams noted, expressing hope for peace in the region. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is expected to join Adams for a press briefing.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul added that while there are no credible threats at present, the state has strengthened security and cybersecurity defenses. “My priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,” she said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Thomas Hudner toward the Eastern Mediterranean, with a second destroyer also en route to the region. This maneuver mirrors similar actions taken last year in response to Iranian missile threats.

The Community Security Service, which supports volunteer synagogue security teams, advised its network to remain alert, review protocols, and request additional police presence. Security has also been tightened around the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., as international officials brace for further developments.

The operation, reportedly named “Operation Rising Lion,” follows months of failed nuclear negotiations and significantly raises the stakes in an already volatile region. The coming days are expected to test both military resilience and diplomatic channels as global powers weigh responses to a rapidly evolving crisis.