(DCNF)—Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane appeared on Fox News Friday to discuss ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran following Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes.
Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran Thursday, targeting top Iranian officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders and nuclear scientists as well as Iranian nuclear sites. During an appearance on “The Story With Martha MacCallum,” Keane discussed the missile attacks launched by Iran in retaliation for Israel’s strikes. Iran’s first wave involved about 100 ballistic missiles, and only five to seven of them breached Israel’s defenses.
“Israel expected the targets to shift from October, which were Air Force bases in the desert and the Mossad headquarters to population centers. And we’re seeing the evidence of that here. The second wave, 50 missiles and no penetration as of this moment. I believe another wave will be coming as well,” Keane said. “The fact that the second wave of Iranian retaliation was less than the first is a good sign. It shows you that they’re having difficulty getting those launchers in the position. And obviously Israel is also conducting attacks inside of Iran as we speak. So that’s what’s happening here is the retaliation attack by Iran, and you’re likely going to see more.”
Keane said Israel expected a retaliatory attack after their recent strikes on Iran.
“It had so much to do with what their attack on Iran looked like. While taking down the air defense systems was priority one so they would have air superiority, the remaining air defense systems that they didn’t take down in October, taking down leadership targets that would clearly cause them command and control issues,” Keane said.
“The center of gravity certainly is the nuclear enterprise itself.”
Turning to Iran’s response, Keane said Israel’s defense systems had already been tested back in October, when Iran launched 200 missiles.
“But complementing that was the ballistic missiles. Back in October, Iran fired 200 of those, and 40 penetrated the system, and the Israelis considered that as they overwhelmed the arrow and the THAAD system and the multi-layered defense system that was established,” Keane said. “So what they focused on here was taking as many of the launchers of these systems down during their initial four waves of attack that’s been unfolding for the last 24 hours.”
“We have seen so far in this first wave of Iranian retaliation attack using ballistic missiles is about 100 missiles, five to seven of them did penetrate, and the targets did shift,” Keane said.
Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel Friday following Israel’s assault on Tehran’s leadership and nuclear facilities. The Israeli military said dozens of missiles were fired from Iran, causing explosions in multiple cities, while Israeli interceptors worked to neutralize the incoming missiles, leaving at least five people wounded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel will persist in bombing Iran until it eliminates the “threat” posed by the nation. In a speech lasting over seven minutes, Netanyahu condemned the “tyrants of Tehran” for seeking Israel’s destruction and said Iran has reportedly advanced its uranium production to create nine atomic bombs.
Trump broke his silence following Israel’s bombing of Iran and said the U.S. had prior knowledge but was not involved in the operation.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,” Trump said.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.