Yair Lapid Criticizes Israel's Limited Strikes on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that recent airstrikes on Iran were based on Israel's national interests rather than U.S. dictates, dismissing claims that the targets were influenced by American pressure. These strikes, which were a response to Iran's earlier ballistic missile attack, focused on military sites, but opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government for not targeting Iran's strategic and economic assets, arguing that a stronger response was necessary. Lapid commended the Israeli Air Force's capabilities but expressed concern that the limited scope of the attacks failed to impose a significant deterrent on Iran. The U.S. has urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions, urging a halt to further confrontations. In Iran, officials downplayed the strikes, claiming minimal damage and asserting that air defenses intercepted many attacks. This ongoing debate highlights a broader tension within Israeli politics regarding the appropriate military strategy towards Iran.