Israeli Opposition Supports Iran Strikes Amid Broad Public Backing

In a notable shift, Israel's opposition, led by Yair Lapid, has suspended its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support his ongoing military operation against Iran, aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program and neutralizing top military figures. This operation, known as Operation Rising Lion, enjoys strong public backing with over 70 percent of Israelis supporting the strikes, despite some fear and uncertainty about the conflict's outcome. Meanwhile, within Iran, there are reports of citizens expressing covert support for the Israeli strikes and opposition to their own government, despite heavy censorship and regime propaganda efforts to maintain control and rally nationalistic sentiment. The Israeli strikes have thus not only intensified the conflict but also exposed and perhaps deepened internal divisions within Iran. Israeli politicians typically unite during wartime, but this case is particularly striking given the prior deep political polarization and ongoing protests against Netanyahu. The situation remains volatile as the conflict affects political dynamics within Israel and stirs unrest in Iran, with broader implications for Middle East security.