I wonder why Israel named its campaign to assassinate Iranian scientists Operation Narnia. Perhaps the word has a Hebrew meaning that I do not understand. I know C. S. Lewis liked the sound of the name of an ancient Roman city called Narni, or Narnia; but I can’t see why Israel would be moved by the same appreciation of euphony. In the lands where Israel hopes to be approved for political murders, Narnia is the name of a cozy and magical land where animals talk and Aslan rules.Why would an Order of Assassins name their latest campaign after that?
I hadn't realized they did use that name, but that does appear to be the case. It was paired with airstrikes called "Red Wedding," which is a Game of Thrones reference. Interesting to find that their imaginations turn to English-language fantasy fiction.
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They also named an Iran operation "Rising Lion". This seemed like a clear reference to the dissident Iranians use of the royal Iranian flag with the lion at the center. Perhaps Narnia is an indirect vector to Aslan, with some of the same overtones as "Rising Lion". Then there is also the association from Lewis capitalizing Lion in Narnia, as with the Lion of Judah- that would be a pretty direct self referral for Israel.
"C.S. Lewis often capitalizes the word lion in reference to Aslan since he parallels Jesus as the "Lion of Judah" in Christian theology.[4] The word aslan means "lion" in Turkish."
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