Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly praised United States President Donald Trump following a daring rescue operation by American special forces. The mission successfully retrieved an F-15 airman who had been left stranded behind enemy lines in Iran for almost two full days.
Dramatic Rescue Operation in Hostile Territory
The airman, along with a pilot, was aboard an F-15 fighter jet that was shot down over a remote area of Iran on Friday. While the pilot was safely ejected and rescued by two military helicopters that same day, the second crew member remained missing for approximately forty-eight hours.
During this tense period, the airman hid in a mountain crevice with nothing but a handgun for protection as the complex rescue operation unfolded. The successful mission concluded on Sunday afternoon, with both service members confirmed safe by US Central Command.
High-Level Diplomatic Praise and Cooperation
In a post on social media platform X on Sunday evening, Netanyahu revealed he had personally spoken with President Trump to congratulate him. The Israeli leader described the operation as a "bold decision and a perfectly executed American mission to rescue the downed pilot from enemy territory."
Netanyahu further noted that Trump had "expressed his appreciation for Israel's help" during their conversation. The Prime Minister wrote with evident pride about the bilateral cooperation, stating, "I am deeply proud that our cooperation on and off the battlefield is unprecedented, and that Israel could contribute to saving a brave American warrior."
Religious Phrase Sparks Discussion
In an interview with Axios, President Trump revealed intriguing details about the rescue. He mentioned that the airman, identified as a "highly respected Colonel" who had been "seriously wounded," had transmitted a message during the operation that sounded like "something a Muslim would say."
Trump elaborated that US officials initially believed the airman might have been captured by Iranian forces, suspecting that "the Iranians had been sending false signals" to create a trap. A US defense official later confirmed to Axios that the exact phrase used by the airman was "God is good."
Military personnel familiar with the rescued colonel noted he was known to be religious, making such an expression consistent with his character according to Trump's account.
Escalating Tensions and Military Strikes
The rescue operation occurred against a backdrop of escalating military actions. US Central Command confirmed that "U.S. strikes into Iran continue as U.S. Central Command forces dismantle the Iranian regime's ability to project power beyond its borders."
President Trump has characterized the rescue as "one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History" while issuing stark warnings to Iran. On Sunday, he posted on Truth Social that "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran" unless specific demands were met.
Ultimatum Over Strategic Strait
Trump's threat specifically demanded that Iran "Open the F***in' Strait" of Hormuz, a critical trade route, or face severe consequences. He warned Iranian leaders they would "be living in Hell" if they failed to comply, concluding his message with "Praise be to Allah."
This ultimatum followed recent US-Israeli airstrikes that destroyed Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 structure linking Tehran to Karaj, killing eight people. Iranian state media reported that the second attack on the 136-meter bridge occurred while rescue forces were assisting at least ninety-five injured people at the scene.
Justification for Continued Pressure
In comments to the Wall Street Journal on Sunday, Trump elaborated on his position, stating that if Iran didn't "come through" by Tuesday evening, they would "lose every power plant and every other plant they have in the whole country." When questioned about potential suffering among Iran's ninety-three million citizens, Trump responded bluntly, "No, they want us to do it."
The President claimed the Iranian regime had killed forty-five thousand people to suppress dissent, adding, "When they go in the street, they get shot." This justification underscores the administration's hardline approach as military operations and diplomatic tensions continue to intensify between the United States and Iran.
