For Netanyahu’s rival, Israel has lost its “power of deterrence” against Iran

The Israeli prime minister’s policies have led to “a complete loss of Israeli deterrence,” said Yair Lapid, leader of the Israeli opposition on the social network X.

His comments came two days after Iran, which backs both the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for a deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Israel, the United States and other allies intercepted nearly all the shells fired in Iran’s first-ever direct military operation against its arch-enemy.

The United States has said it will not participate in a possible Israeli response and is putting the brakes on Netanyahu.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, divided between moderators and far-right hawks demanding a decisive and swift crackdown, is still exploring various options.

But the United States warned Israel against escalation, and US President Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would not be involved in a response.

Thus, the Israeli Prime Minister faces obstacles in his desire to respond to Tehran, which, despite warnings, has not hesitated to launch its drones and missiles.

Opposition calls for calm

The War Cabinet was due to meet again on Monday to decide on the means and timetable for a response, although Israel’s head of government has yet to speak publicly since the attack.

The opposition leader ridiculed the “circus”. “It is no use asking ministers of this government to act responsibly, but they must stop talking about and threatening Iran in the media,” he wrote.