'Good start' versus 'serious mistake': Israeli politicians weigh in on attack on Iran

Israel recent attack on Iran has sparked polarizing reactions across the country’s political spectrum, with some criticizing the country’s restraint while others praise their precise and controlled attacks.

Israel's attack on Iran on Saturday has drawn both criticism and praise from politicians at home (AFP) — Israel’s attack on Iran on Saturday has drawn both criticism and praise from politicians at home (AFP)

On Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on several military targets in Iran in response to the Iranian missile attack on October 1. The Israeli strike hit missile factories and also caused the deaths of two soldiers, despite the Iranian government saying the damage was “limited.” .”

US President Biden, who was reportedly involved in the show of restraint in the attack, supported Israel’s right to self-defense. Many politicians within Israel were not happy with the scale of the Israeli offensive.

In a message on X congratulating the opposition air force leader, Yair Lapid said: “The decision not to attack strategic and economic targets in Iran was wrong. We could and should have demanded a much higher price from Iran.”

He added: “Iran is the head of the axis of evil and must pay a high price for its aggression.”

Tally Gotliv, a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party, criticized the government for not inflicting more serious damage on US orders.

She said: “Failure to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities will be a cause of regret for generations. It is a serious mistake not to attack Iran’s oil reserves. Unfortunately, this is submission to the Biden administration, which does not think for a moment about Israel’s interests.”

However, Netanyahu’s decision also found support from many unexpected fronts.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who had previously condemned Israel’s restrained response to Iran’s April attack, wrote on next phase should be.”

The Israeli offensive was also praised by opposition leader Yair Golan, head of Israel’s Workers’ Party, for “damaging Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities without dragging us into a war of attrition.”

While US influence in the attack on the home front is still under debate, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office has denied reports that US pressure changed his original plans to attack Iran’s oil reserves.

“Israel chose the targets in advance, based on its national interests and not on US directives,” the statement said.