Friday, July 18, 2025
In a world clouded by confusion, moral relativism and media distortion, Israel just reminded us all what moral clarity looks like. When Israel launched a bold, decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, it wasn’t just protecting itself — it was protecting the free world.
For weeks, the media narrative tried to create a rift where there was none. Headlines spoke of division between Israel and the United States, between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump. But many of us saw through the noise. This wasn’t a fracture — it was four-dimensional chess when the rest of the world was playing checkers.
Israel’s message was clear: It will not sit idly by while the world’s largest state sponsor of terror builds weapons of mass destruction. And although America eventually got involved, too, Israel’s confidence to act came from the knowledge that, with the right leadership, the United States stands with her — not above her, not behind her, but beside her.
Under Trump, that bond was restored to historic strength. After years of Obama-era snubs and Biden-era appeasement, Trump re-centered U.S. foreign policy around moral clarity. He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moved our embassy, defunded those who sponsor terror, and walked away from the disastrous Iran deal that emboldened radicals and endangered peace.
Contrast that with the Biden administration, which too often treated Israel as a problem to be managed rather than an ally to be honored. From equivocation on Hamas to mixed messages in the wake of the attacks of Oct. 7, Biden’s team seemed more interested in global optics than in the survival of the Jewish state. Israel noticed. So did Iran.
When Israel struck Iran’s air bases, enrichment facilities and command posts two weeks ago, it didn’t ask for permission — and it didn’t need to. It acted as a sovereign democracy under siege, doing what every nation has the right — and the obligation — to do: defend its people and pre-empt a greater catastrophe.
Let’s be clear about what this strike accomplished. It weakened Iran’s nuclear program. It disrupted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ infrastructure. It sent shockwaves through Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. And it reminded both friends and foes that Israel is not a passive target — it is a moral force backed by strength, intelligence and resolve.
Now, step back. Look at the world.
In our own cities — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — we see mobs marching not for peace, but for Hamas. We see antisemitism masquerading as activism, with chants of “Intifada!” echoing across college campuses. Our police officers are attacked in the name of “justice.” Biological reality is erased in the name of “equity.” Parental rights are trampled. Free speech is punished. Truth is exchanged for ideology.
What’s happening in Israel is a microcosm of what’s happening across the globe: a war between order and chaos, good and evil, light and darkness. And Israel just struck a powerful blow for good.
Those celebrating the regime in Tehran ought to remember that the Iranian people themselves have been its greatest victims. For nearly half a century they’ve suffered under clerics who rule through fear, censorship, torture and war. Perhaps this moment will accelerate the day when the people of Iran reclaim their history, dignity and freedom.
In the Middle East, nations like Saudi Arabia are watching closely — and many are quietly relieved. The Sunni Arab world has no interest in a nuclear-armed Shiite theocracy destabilizing the region. Israel’s actions have made peace more plausible, not less. The Abraham Accords were only the beginning. There is more to come if courage prevails over cowardice.
I believe we are living in biblical times. We are watching prophecy and politics collide. And we must decide what side we are on.
I stand with Israel. I stand with America’s traditional values — faith, family, freedom. I stand with the parents fighting for their children, the citizens demanding security and the nations defending their existence.
To those who think this was just another strike, another regional flare-up: wake up. This was a turning point. It was the moment the free world, through Israel’s hand, reminded evil that it does not get the final say.
To those marching in our streets, waving the flags of terror, threatening Jews and spitting on American ideals, I say this: your moral compass is broken. You are on the wrong side of history, and you will lose.
The world is safer today because Israel and the United States acted.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
