The defense minister and the Defense Ministry director general made the decision amid what was described as France’s consistent hostility toward Israel over the past two years. Israeli sources said France’s refusal to allow a US plane carrying munitions for Israel to pass through its airspace was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

In every crisis, Moses and Herzl found an opening for opportunity, and the hardships themselves forged their path and strengthened their commitment to action. Paradoxically, neither lived to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Israeli officials believe the Israeli Air Force is nearing the end of its main wave of strikes in Iran, but critical questions, foremost the fate of the enriched uranium, remain unresolved. In Israel's north, fighting against Hezbollah continues and fears of escalation are growing. 

The soldiers whose names have been released are Capt. Noam Madmoni, 22, of Sderot, a team commander in the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit; Staff Sgt. Ben Cohen, 21, of Lehavim; and Staff Sgt. Maxsim Entis, 21, of Bat Yam. The name of the fourth soldier has not yet been cleared for publication. 

The decision could leave Tehran in control of one of the world's most important trade routes. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump wants to meet the operation's core objectives, damaging Iran's navy and missile stockpile, within four to six weeks, and then scale back the fighting while shifting to diplomatic pressure.