'Showoff', 'weak': Israeli media, officials ridicule attack on Iran
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The recent attack on Iran has been largely a showoff that failed to achieve any strategic objectives, as per Israeli media.
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This is a locator map for Iran with its capital, Tehran (AP)
Israeli media outlets have cast doubt on the effectiveness of the recent Israeli attack on Iran, describing it as a largely symbolic move that failed to achieve any significant strategic goals. Reports from Kan and other sources highlighted a growing sense of dissatisfaction within "Israel" regarding the operation's limited impact.
Arab Affairs correspondent Roy Kays suggested that if he were in [Sayyed Ali] Khamenei's position, he would get back to sleep and assess the situation regarding the attack on Iran the following morning.
The recent attack on Iran was largely a showoff that failed to achieve any strategic objectives, as per Israeli media.
Furthermore, media reports suggested that the limited response to Iran was politically motivated, designed to reassure Prime Minister Netanyahu's supporters that action had been taken.
Israeli media figure Rami Yitzhar, once a senior officer in the Israeli military police, believed that the attack on Iran, which he described as "minuscule and weak,” was a political trick by Netanyahu to show his supporters that he had done something against Tehran.
Commenting on the “explosive" statement of the Israeli army spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, about the attack, Yitzhar said it was “to some extent full of elements of false self-glorification, but his (Hagari’s) body language proves that he understands that it was just a show” and that “the sole purpose of this action was political: to show Netanyahu’s voters that we did something, and that is all.”
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that former Mossad Intelligence Division chief Brigadier General (Res.) Amnon Sofrin warned that Iran possesses the capability to launch a highly potent operation against "Israel".
Lapid, Liberman criticize Israeli response to Iran
Israeli Kan 11's political affairs commentator, Gili Cohen, reported on the initial political reactions to the attack on Iran, highlighting a harsh criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Lapid bashed the Israeli response, stressing it lacked sufficient force and significance. He labeled the decision not to strike strategic and economic targets as "misguided", insisting that Iran should have faced much harsher consequences.
"The decision not to attack strategic and economic targets in Iran was a mistake. We could and should have imposed a much heavier price on Iran," Lapid said in a post on X.
Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman said "Israel", with today's attack, failed to “exact a real price” from the Islamic Republic.
“We cannot ignore the hard reality and the fact that the Iranians won’t stop here. They’ll continue their efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and they’ll continue to transfer the funds from the sale of oil and gas to Hezbollah, the Houthis, the Shiite militias, and various proxies,” the hawkish veteran politician says in a post on X.
He accused the government of being “once again content with showmanship” and called for "Israel" to “act in a way that reflects our strength — rather than just talking about it.”
In a related context, Cohen reported that when the US administration advised "Israel" to adopt a moderate approach in Lebanon, specifically urging against prolonged attacks in the Southern Suburb, Prime Minister Netanyahu complied.
However, he did not apply the same restraint in Rafah, despite US requests for moderation regarding Iran. While Netanyahu has followed certain directives from the US, including the deployment of interceptor missiles and air defense systems, he stressed that Israel is "not alone in this."
Critical error: Failure to target Iranian oil reserves
Criticism has also arisen from within Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition. Knesset member Tali Gottlieb from the Likud party remarked that failing to target Iranian nuclear facilities would lead to regret for generations to come. She labeled the choice not to attack Iranian oil reserves as a "grave mistake", emphasizing that Iran has jeopardized Israeli security by launching missiles across the entity.
"We squandered the chance to undermine Iran's potential to become a nuclear power for many years," Gottlieb contended.
Israeli media have reported that reactions to the recent Israeli attack on Iran include skepticism from the Arab world, where commentators suggest that "they are laughing at us." The reports emphasized a prevailing belief that the true implications of the situation will become clearer over time.
Iran's air defenses foil multiple Israeli attacks on military bases
Israeli warplanes launched an aggression on Iran, as explosions were heard in several areas, including the capital Tehran, early on Saturday. Attacks renewed at around 4:30 am, as footage circulated of several successful interceptions near the capital.
The Israeli military command confirmed that its Air Force is conducting strikes on "military targets" in Iran.
It also warned Israeli settlers, urging them to remain "alert and vigilant," in a statement.
At least three explosions were heard near Tehran, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reported.
Later, our correspondent said that Israeli warplanes attempted to target three bases in Tehran Province, which includes multiple counties. However, Iranian air defenses were able to intercept the incoming attack, leading to minimal damage to the intended targets.
Iranian air defenses successfully intercepted hostile targets aimed at military bases in the southern and western parts of Tehran Province, outside the capital city itself, our correspondent pointed out.
Air defenses foil second wave of Israeli attacks
Hours after the first attack was launched, another wave of aerial targets was detected over Iran, at around 4:30 am. Medium-range air defenses were activated to shoot down all hostile objects over Tehran, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.
Footage also circulated of successful interceptions over eastern areas in the Tehran province.
Later, informed sources revealed that multiple Israeli drones were launched toward Iranian air defense bases in eastern Tehran, only to be shot down.
Read more: Iran to respond decisively to any hostile Israeli action: Tehran
