Summary of "Bonus Episode: THE REVENGE" from The Ben Shapiro Show

Release Date: June 13, 2025

I. Introduction

In this special Ben Shapiro Show episode titled "THE REVENGE," host Ben Shapiro delves into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The episode provides a detailed analysis of recent military actions, strategic implications, and the broader geopolitical landscape, featuring insights from guest experts Mark Levin and Mark Dubowitz, as well as an interview with Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna.

II. Escalation of the Israel-Iran Conflict

A. Israeli Strikes on Iranian Targets

Ben Shapiro opens the discussion by outlining Israel's recent aggressive military campaign against Iran, highlighting the precision and strategic intent behind these actions.

• Precision Strikes: Shapiro emphasizes the targeted nature of Israeli airstrikes, noting, "[...] the Israeli strike on an apartment building targeting an Iranian nuclear scientist [...] was about as targeted as the strike can get" (02:10).

• Impact on Nuclear Facilities: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has attacked critical Iranian nuclear sites:

  • Natanz Facility: According to the Times of Israel, Israeli strikes "destroyed the underground section of the site which housed a multi-level enrichment hall" (04:25).
  • Fordow Facility: Similar attacks are ongoing, targeting heavily bunkered areas; however, the effectiveness against deep subterranean structures remains uncertain.

B. Iranian Missile Attack on Israel

In retaliation, Iran launched a substantial missile barrage targeting Israeli civilian areas, with a significant portion breaching Israel's missile defense systems.

• Missile Details: Approximately 100 missiles were fired, with Israel intercepting 93 (08:58). Seven missiles penetrated defenses, striking central Tel Aviv and causing minimal casualties.

• Casualties: Israeli Red Cross (Magen David Adom) reported 21 casualties:

  • 17 in mild condition or experiencing anxiety
  • 2 in serious condition
  • 2 in moderate condition (07:45)

C. Israel’s Defense Systems and Civilian Response

Shapiro highlights Israel's sophisticated missile defense capabilities and the population's preparedness.

• Defense Systems: Systems such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow are actively intercepting incoming threats (09:08).

• Civilian Preparedness: Israelis are accustomed to missile alerts, utilizing apps and designated safe areas like "mamad" (safe rooms) and fortified parking lots.

III. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Statements and Operations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed both Israeli citizens and the Iranian populace, framing the military actions as a path to liberation for Iranians oppressed by their regime.

• Call to Iranians: Netanyahu declared, “Woman Life Freedom. Zan Zandegi Azadi” (18:47), urging Iranians to rise against their government.

• Operation Rising Lion: He outlined the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, emphasizing the elimination of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities while hinting at the potential overthrow of the oppressive regime.

IV. Expert Analysis with Mark Levin

Guest: Mark Levin, political commentator and radio show host

A. U.S. and Israel’s Strategic Alignment

Levin lauds President Donald Trump's consistent support for Israel, contrasting it with isolationist elements within the party.

• Trump’s Foreign Policy: Levin states, “President Trump deserves enormous credit [...] He was the most pro-Israel president in American history” (21:30).

• Critique of Isolationists: He criticizes figures like Tucker Carlson, describing them as undermining Trump’s pro-Israel stance and military credibility.

B. Netanyahu’s Leadership

Levin commends Netanyahu for his decisive actions against Iran, likening the partnership between Trump and Netanyahu to legendary alliances like Reagan-Thatcher.

• Leadership Praise: “Netanyahu is a remarkable man [...] we have these great leaders [...] Trump and Netanyahu are absolutely fantastic” (30:44).

V. Expert Insights with Mark Dubowitz

Guest: Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

A. Assessment of Israeli Military Actions

Dubowitz underscores the effectiveness of Israeli strikes in crippling Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

• Targeted Eliminations: Highlighting the elimination of "nine out of twelve top nuclear scientists," Dubowitz notes, “That's a devastating blow to Iran's nuclear weapons program” (35:31).

• Challenges in Attacking Fordow: He acknowledges the difficulty in damaging deeply buried facilities but remains optimistic about ongoing operations.

B. Future Implications for Iran

Dubowitz discusses the potential collapse of the Iranian regime, drawing parallels to the Reagan strategy against the Soviet Union.

• Regime Weakening: “Pressure from the outside, maximum support for Iranians on the inside” is likened to the strategy that led to the USSR’s collapse (37:56).

• U.S. Role: Emphasizes the importance of credible U.S. military responses to deter further Iranian aggression (36:16).

VI. Domestic Focus: Protests Against President Trump

A. Overview of Planned Protests

Shapiro shifts to the upcoming protests against President Trump, characterized by skepticism towards their significance and scale.

• Protest Critique: Describes the "No Kings Day" rallies as largely symbolic with minimal actual participation (43:14).

• Government Stance: Highlights aggressive law enforcement responses, including threats from Florida Sheriff Wayne Ivy regarding violent protests (53:25).

B. Interview with Congressman Ro Khanna

Guest: Ro Khanna, Democratic Congressman from California

1. Concerns About Escalation

Khanna expresses worries about the potential for the Israel-Iran conflict to spiral into a broader regional war.

• Nuclear Development: Concerns that Iran may move nuclear activities underground, evading monitoring (47:58).

• Economic Impact: Notes rising oil prices and instability as immediate consequences of the conflict (49:02).

2. Counterpoints from Shapiro

Shapiro counters Khanna’s concerns by arguing that Iran is militarily isolated with no substantial regional allies, minimizing the risk of widespread conflict.

• Regional Alliances: Points out that key Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are quietly supportive of Israel (48:15).

• Iran’s Isolation: Emphasizes Iran's weakened military position and lack of support from major powers like Russia and China (39:46).

3. U.S. Involvement and Future Strategy

Discussion centers on the potential for increased U.S. military involvement, with Dubowitz suggesting that President Trump might escalate actions to include B2 bomber strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure.

• Strategic Opportunities: “Once the Israelis have done multiple rounds and have destroyed as much as they can, this would be an historic opportunity for [Trump] to really set back Iran's nuclear weapon program” (41:01).

VII. Conclusion

Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by reiterating his stance on the Israel-Iran conflict, praising the leadership of both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. He dismisses the likelihood of a broader regional war, emphasizing the strategic advantages Israel and the U.S. hold over Iran. Additionally, Shapiro criticizes domestic protests against Trump as unsubstantiated and overblown, maintaining focus on international stability and security.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Shapiro on Israeli Strikes:

  "About as targeted as the strike can get." (02:10)

• Netanyahu’s Call to Iranians:

  "Woman Life Freedom. Zan Zandegi Azadi." (18:47)

• Mark Levin on Isolationists:

  "Tucker Carlson [...] is a paper tiger." (25:19)

• Mark Dubowitz on Nuclear Scientists:

  "That's a devastating blow to Iran's nuclear weapons program." (35:31)

• Ro Khanna on Regime Collapse:

  "The Reagan strategy [...] led to the collapse of the USSR." (37:56)

• Shapiro’s Counter to Escalation Fears:

  "The Saudis are quietly celebrating. So are the UAE. So are Bahrain." (48:15)

Key Takeaways

• Israel's Strategic Offensive: Precision strikes targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure aim to curtail Iran's capabilities and destabilize its regime.

• Iranian Retaliation: Despite advanced defense systems, Iran succeeded in hitting central Tel Aviv, though casualties remain low.

• Leadership Praise: Both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu receive commendations for their roles in advancing Israel's strategic objectives.

• Domestic Distraction: The episode criticizes domestic protests against Trump as minor and unimpactful compared to pressing international conflicts.

• Future Implications: The potential for further escalation is discussed, with emphasis on the need for credible military deterrence to prevent broader regional or global conflict.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and analyses presented in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, its implications, and the domestic political landscape surrounding President Trump.